Cape Floral Heritage Celebrated

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape has welcomed the 2015 edition of the Cape Floral Kingdom Expo in Bredasdorp.

“The Cape floral expo is the biggest indoor fynbos showcase in the world and is a celebration of the Western Cape’s unique indigenous heritage.” 

The Cape floristic region is one of the six floral kingdoms in the world and has been declared by the United Nations as a world heritage site.

The province has the highest concentration of plant species in the world and includes an estimated 9 500 species, of which 70% do not grow anywhere else in the world.

Bredell says the Cape Floral Expo is one of a range of floral expos across the province that showcases some of our unique natural heritage.

“In September Darling will host the 98th edition of their wildflower show. Further afield we have the towns of Hopefield and Clanwilliam that are hosting floral shows too.”

Bredell says the shows are big attractions for tourists and locals and generates a lot of interest.

“Tourism is one of the Western Cape’s fastest growing sectors and already employs more than 200 000 people in formal jobs across the province. Floral expos like the Cape Floral Kingdom Expo, contribute a lot towards growing the industry."