Peninsula Granite Fynbos

[3] It grows on the gentler, lower slopes of Table Mountain, over rolling hills and valleys - in rich, deep soils formed from eroded granite.

Because of the rich soils and gentle terrain, most of this ecosystem has been destroyed to make way for vineyards, wealthy suburbs and commercial pine plantations.

In fact, the largest patches of exposed granite soils are at Newlands, Wynberg Hill and Constantia, and these are all areas that have been developed for housing, farmed, or planted with invasive pine trees.

Peninsula Granite Fynbos used to support a great many wild animals but the larger game is now mostly locally extinct.

Another threat is the prevention of the seasonal fires that naturally sweep the area every few years, replenishing and revitalising the vegetation.

The Grey Tree Pincushion Protea, a Cape Town endemic, is mainly restricted to Peninsula Granite Fynbos
Peninsula Granite Fynbos near Chapmans Peak, Cape Town
A young Silver tree growing at Newlands Forest , after the partial removal of the invasive Pine plantations