SOUTHERN BELT OF SOUTH AFRICA 245 



which proteas and leucadendron are the best known types. 

 A large number of extremely varied shrubs and heath- 

 like plants, usually well represented in our conservatories 

 under the name of ' Cape heaths ', is characteristic of this 

 region. In addition, a diverse flora of bushy perennials, 

 of bulbs and succulent plants, which appears like an 



Fig. 93. Silver trees. 



enriched replica of the Mediterranean flora, has furnished 

 us with a large collection of ornamental plants. 



This south-western margin of the South African table- 

 lands has been so dissected by deep valleys as to fall 

 into a hilly scenery in which altitudinal belts are well 

 marked. A broken strip of coast and lowlands, which 

 receives the minimum of moisture, includes the strand 



