Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos

Asteraceous (Daisy) species are more common in steeper, drier spots and succulent plants occur on the steepest cliff faces.

In areas which are protected from seasonal fires, such as river valleys, the Fynbos is replaced by dense, indigenous Afrotemperate forest.

It is the main ecosystem of the upper slopes of Table Mountain (and a tiny pocket of it is found on the very top of Lions Head), but it is low-lying in the southern parts of the peninsula, often even occurring at sea level.

Most Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos still remains (98%), mainly due to its steep, inaccessible location and its poor soils, which together make it unsuitable both for housing and for farming.

[2] About 79% of this vegetation type is statutorily protected, due to its lying within the Table Mountain National Park and it is largely well preserved.

Protea cynaroides growing in Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos on the Cape Peninsula.
Typical Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos growing in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town.
Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos is restricted to Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula.