Re: Fynbos

DAVIDDOG@aol.com
Fri, 26 Jan 1996 03:50:53 -0500

As I was able to research the term, fynbos refers to the vegetation or
habitat type found in the South Western Cape of Good Hope ( South Africa ).
It is typified by a low shubby vegetation composed of ericacious heaths and
other subshrubs and is distinct from grassland. A typical fynbos resident has
closely-packed evergreen leaves, is wind-resistant and often fire-resistant.
Most of the fynbos gets is major rain ( 25 to 90 inches/year ) in winter and
most of its plants grow then as the temperatures are mild. Humidity is high
all year and frosts are light and confined to late winter ( July and August
).
As a habitat type, it is roughly equivalent to the Mediterranean macchia.
Botanically yours,
David