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The Cape Floral Route

The Cape Floral Route leads one through some of the most diverse Fynbos ecosystems. Most impressive is the turnover between protea species across the different geologies of the region – very few species occur on more than one substrate type. The major players in this system are:

• Table Mountain Sandstones, which gives rise to acidic sands
• Limestone deposits and wind-blown dunes, which create alkaline sands
• Time and rain which leach alkaline sands to neutral and, eventually, acid sands
• Shales and ferricretes which give rise to rich, fertile soils
• Water, which creates ecosystems of its own

Proteas of Acid Sands

The proteas on acid sands are by far the most diverse. Over 60 protea species occur on acid sands. Inland mountains are dominated by the Long-leaf Sugarbush, but nearer the sea, the Bot River Sugarbush is more abundant. Also dominant are the Sickleleaf Conebush with "The Pincushion" and the Cowled Pagoda. A large variety of Spiderheads, Spoons, Conebushes, Pincushions and other proteas also occur here, depending on slope, aspect and altitude.

Proteas of Limestone

Essentially there are only five proteas that occur exclusively on limestone. These are the Limestone Sugarbush, Limestone Pagoda, Limestone Conebush, Limestone Pincushion and Silverball Conebush. However, these dominate the Limestone areas and put on stunning displays during winter and spring. The very rare Ericaleaf Spoon also occurs on alkaline soils.

Proteas of Neutral Sands

Neutral sands are dominated by the Stinkleaf Sugarbush and the Dune Conebush. A variety of other proteas may occur, depending on whether the soils are more acidic or alkaline.

Proteas of Fertile Soils

Whereas in other areas of the Fynbos Biome, the fertile soils are shunned by proteas, the ferricreted soils of the Agulhas plain are home to a variety of very rare species. The Bashful Sugarbush, Elim Conebush, Star Conebush are all rare spectacular plants. More abundant and widespread are the Roughleaf Conebush and Awlleaf Sugarbush.

Proteas of Wetlands

Bottomland Swamps: Lineleaf Conebush, Riverine Fringes: Bredasdorp Conebush, Acidic Marsh Fringes: Marsh Pagoda

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