Strandveld next to the fynbos

Where fynbos approaches the sea, there are places of different-looking coastal scrub called strandveld. These parts are not characterised by the regular fynbos vegetation mix of bigger leaf proteoid, smaller leaf ericoid and reed-like restioid plants. Lots of bulbous plants flower in the fynbos annually, while shrubs like the buchus diversify the fynbos mix further. 

Strandveld has a different character. Strandveld is often taller and denser than fynbos, woodier from evergreen hard-leaved shrubs and thickets, rich in grasses and succulents. Plants like the bietou (Chrysanthemoides monilifera), the dune olive (Olea exasperata), the dune guarri (Euclea racemosa), and several searsias bring bulk to this vegetation. Metalasias, including Metalasia muricata commonly flower profusely in winter and spring, some of them fragrantly. Numerous succulents including crassulas, sour figs and mesembs accompany perennial geophytes like moraeas and gladioli in adding colour and surprise.

While fynbos typically grows on acidic, nutrient-poor soils derived from sandstone, the strandveld soil is often calcareous or lime-rich in coastal sands and limestones. Variation in vegetation relates here much to soil fertility, moisture availability, and whether it rains in winter or summer. Two strandveld regions are of note: the semi-arid west coast part where many plants are deciduous or succulent, and the wetter south coast part where many plants are evergreen (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Mustart, et al, 1997).