Causes of diversity in the Cape Floristic Region

The Cape Floristic Region (Capensis) is the smallest phytogeographical kingdom in the world with an area about 90,000 kmš (or 190,000 kmš if the succulent karoo is included). However, thanks to the subtropical climate influenced by the cold Benguel current and the isolated location behind the ridges of the Cape Mountains, it is characterized by an extremely diverse flora. There are about 11,000 species of plants, of which 79% are endemic. The Cape region shares many characteristics with other Mediterranean areas, but in many ways it is a unique environment. In this bachelor's thesis, the Cape flora is set in a global context and compared with other Mediterranean areas. Geological development, floristic and vegetation composition are described. The work also contains summarised information about the possible causes of high plant diversity and endemism of the Cape region. Keywords: Cape Floristic Region, Mediterranean, plant diversity, polyploidy, South Afric