Patterns and characteristics of the flora of the Succulent Karoo Biome, southern Africa

Abstract

The Succulent Karoo situated in the arid south-western portion of southern Africa is recognised as a hot-spot of global significance in terms of its floral diversity and high concentration of endemic taxa. The Succulent Karoo with approximately 5000 taxa, 40% of which are endemic to the region, is probably the richest arid flora in the world. Analysis of the endemic flora shows that it is not a random assemblage with regards to taxonomic affinity and growth form. The endemics are also not randomly distributed, but tend to occur in discrete centres of endemism. The growth form profiles of the endemics in each centre are distinctive indicating different selective forces. Conservation planning and management need to take the characteristics of the flora, particularly the endemic component, into consideration