Towards a profile of an endemic mountain fynbos flora: Implications for conservation Original Research Article

Patterns of endemism in the fynbos flora of the southern Langeberg mountains, Cape Province, South Africa, are discussed. The majority of endemic species are restricted to 6·7% of the plant families represented, with 48 (30% of total) endemic species in the genus Erica (Ericaceae) alone. The greater proportion of endemics are found in mesic to wet habitats. Endemics are significantly over-represented in high-altitude wet habitats where almost twice the number occur than expected on the basis of area occupied by these habitats. This has important implications for conservation because the mesic and wet habitats are the most susceptible to invasion by alien plants and are most favoured by wildflower harvesters. Local endemics in mountain fynbos are most likely to be low, non-sprouting shrubs with short-distance seed dispersal. Endemics are consequently vulnerable to frequent and unseasonal fires. Injudicious use of fire and/or frequent wildfires could increase the chances of extinction of these species.