Did you know that a big chunk of our product range is (originally) from South Africa? Coincidence? Not in the slightest! South Africa has the most diverse floral and fauna habitat in the world, over 9000 plants and flowers can be found in a small region of this country alone. In this article we take you on a journey all the way to South Africa and tell you all about the unique South African Fynbos vegetation.
When you think about South Africa, what are you thinking about? A visit to Kruger Park, to pay the ‘big 5’ a visit? Perhaps you already see yourself relaxing in a hammock with an ocean view, or do you prefer to taste the various South African wines? Or maybe in your mind you are cruising down the South African roads… In any case, it is clear that South Africa is known for a whole bunch of things, but in actuality, it is the south African ‘Fynbos’ vegetation that should be the true star of the show.
Fynbos is the name for the plants and flowers that grow in and around the South African coastal provinces of Western Cape and Eastern Cape, together these provinces have about the size of Portugal. A staggering 9000 different plants and flowers can be found in this area, of which 6000 only occur naturally in South Africa. In comparison: there are more plant and flowers in this small South African region, than there are throughout the United Kingdom. The fynbos vegetation is not only vast, but also very special in shape and composition. For millions of years the flora and fauna had free rein and adapted itself to every whim of the mountains, fluctuating temperatures, and (scarce) rainfall. Resulting in the most diverse flora and fauna habitat in the world.
Within our range, you’ll find many beautiful Fynbos flowers and foliage. Although, we don’t come near to those 9000 fynbos species, we do our very best to present the best that South Africa has to offer. We list a number of fynbos flowers and foliage we stock in our assortment below.
AGAPANTHUS
Agapanthus is also called ‘african lily’ or ‘love flower’, this last name is a direct translation of ‘agapanthus’. In greek ‘agape’ literally means love and ‘anthos’ means flower. Agapanthus is a wonderful addition to a bridal bouquet for example, but this flower is also very suitable for drying. Wait until the flower has finished flowering and the seed heads appear. Let the flower dry by hanging it upside down.
KNIPHOFIA
Kniphofia is also known as ‘torch lilly’ or ‘red hot poker’. Perfect nicknames, because kniphofia can reach an impressive size of 1,2 meters and has bright colours such as orange, red and yellow. Kniphofia grows on a long, leafless stem and has a pointed tip. The flower bulbs open up from bottom to top, revealing the true colour of kniphofia.
BLUSHING BRIDE
The botanical name of this flower is ‘serruria florida’. This flower is usually called ‘blushing bride’ due to its lovely pink colour, its delicate appearance, and the fact that this flower is widely used in bridal arrangements. Although this flower literally lets it’s pretty head hang down, it does not do this figuratively since blushing bride usually has a long vase life. With its delicate petals and petite size, you might not expect it but this flower is also a family member of the protea family. That long vase life is surely a family trait!
CORAL FERN
The official name is ‘gleichenia’ but let’s admit it ‘coral fern’ is a much better name for this plant. Coral fern has a beautiful feather-like shape, and is surprisingly strong. Coral fern is often used in bridal bouquets or in low arrangements. For these purposes coral fern is perfect because the stem is quite short. However coral fern makes up for this fact by its dense foliage and cheerful shape, giving the bouquet an extra dimension.
DRACAENA
‘Female dragon’ is the romanticised Greek meaning of dracaena. The name is a reference to the red stem of the draco variety. There are varieties who can become as old as a dragon, but also varieties that stay low to the ground, and have dense foliage. The dracaena species have around 120 different species, most of which originate from South Africa.
GLADIOLUS
Gladiolus (or ‘Afrikaner’ in Afrikaans), is perhaps one of the most delicate and refined flowers within the fynbos vegetation. In the South African nature you’ll often find gladiolus growing on the lower mountain slopes. Various gladiolus can be found in areas such as Southern Europe, Asia and west Africa, but the true birthplace of the gladiolus, the area with the most varieties is and will remain South Africa. Thanks to crossbreeding, the gladiolus is perfected as a cut flower and is available in a large colour selection during the appropriate season.
KAAPS GROEN
Kaaps groen is the collective name for various types of foliage that occur in Western- and Southern cape. It is difficult to describe what ‘kaaps groen’ is exactly, because of the great number of different varieties called ‘kaaps groen’ and the fact that these varieties all differ in shape and look. Often the flowers are ball-shaped and the wooden stem is usually very thick. Due to its full and unique shape and the big colour range, cape green is always a welcome addition to just about any bouquet.
LEUCADENDRON
Another member of the big protea family is leucadendron. But this flower has a complete different appearance. Leucadendron is a shrub, where each branch grows upwards and points straight to the sky. Leucadendron is known for its bright colours and sturdy leaves. In our assortment you’ll find multiple varieties and colours: from bright and dark red, to green and yellow.
LEUCOSPERMUM
Leucospermum does not really resemble the ‘classic’ flower as we know it. This flower has no fine petals or a soft appearance. What leucospermum (nicknamed pincushion) does have? Simply: it offers a different look. Leucospermum is a sturdy flower, with a bright colour and curved pins. Moreover, leucospermum has a fine vase life, that will remain beautiful for a very long time. Leucospermum is a member of the protea family, one of the differences between these two flowers is that protea has bracts, where leucospermum does not.
ORNITHOGALUM
This is a flower that you can also find in other regions of the world, such as Southern Europe and Asia. South Africa is however birthplace of the most ornithogalum varieties. Ornithogalum belongs to the same genus as the hyacinth for example and can be characterized for its long vase life and its thick leaves.
PROTEA
How can we not start with the protea; king of the South African flowers? Protea has been around since prehistoric times. It is therefore not surprising that the National symbol of South Africa is the king protea. This flower is named after Proteus, son of the Greek god Poseidon. Proteus was known for his intelligence, but he was not always eager to share this gift with everybody. In order to be left alone, he often changed his appearance. Protea was named after Proteus, because of the many different shapes, sizes and colours a protea can have.
