This vegetation type is found on lower mountain slopes and high, rolling plains in the
Western CapeBoland of
South Africa. The loamy soils are naturally poor, moist and slightly acidic but the biodiversity is rich.
The vegetation consists of a diverse array of
Protea,
Erica,
geophyte and
daisy species, as well as some endemic species. In the moister areas, the Ericas predominate over the other plant groups.
This vegetation type is more vulnerable than other types of mountain
fynbos, as it typically grows on lower slopes, which tend to be developed for housing or cultivated for farming.[1]
Peninsula Shale Fynbos
An isolated patch of this vegetation can also be found further to the west, within the city of Cape Town. Here it is usually known as Peninsula Shale Fynbos and occurs on the lower slopes of
Devils Peak as far south as
Newlands Forest and
Kirstenbosch. On the northern slopes of Devils Peak, it merges into
Peninsula Shale Renosterveld. This ecosystem is usually classed as being a type of Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos, although there are differences.[2]