The Mediterranean Summer festival at Kew ran during the summer of
2007. The Mediterranean - Climate and Habitats
South Africa
Lachenalia tricolor, a South African plant, growing in the Temperate House at Kew
The Mediterranean climate here lies entirely within the Western Cape area with Cape Town at its centre. This 350 mile-long coastal strip of flat land contains the Cape Floral Kingdom - a biodiversity hotspot and distinct plant community unlike any other in the world. The long valleys in the region are also known for their excellent fruit and wine. Rainfall is greatest along the coast and winter brings heavy storms. During the summer, fogs can swathe Cape Town with much needed moisture. Temperatures vary little between winter and summer along the Atlantic coast region but summers can be much warmer and drier along the southern coast regions. The Cape is best known for a plant community called fynbos, which in Africaans means fine bush. It is dominated by evergreen shrubs which bloom in September and October. Fynbos thrives on nutrient poor soil, and has an open habit with lots of low-growing shrubs which is easier to walk through than chaparral. Many species here have a special relationship with ants for seed dispersal.
Typical plants of the fynbos include Protea species, Leucospermum, and heaths (Erica). Another habitat known as strandveld occurs along the Atlantic coast and is home to many succulents, bulbs, annuals (including many daisies) and the reed-like restios, as well as low-growing shrubs. This habitat is famous for its wildflowers.