Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism


The Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism is situated in the coastal region overlapping the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It is named after Pondoland and falls within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot. The region consists of grassy plateaus incised by forested ravines and gorges. The main substrate in the area is Natal Group Sandstone, which was formed by sediments laid down about 500 million years ago in a rift underlying the eastern Agulhas Sea in the ancient continent of Gondwana. The region is about 18,800 hectares in extent, and lies along the coastline stretching about 15 kilometres inland with a maximum altitude of about 400 to 500 metres above sea level. The region is essentially a transition zone between sub-tropical and temperate climates.

Endemics

Some notable endemic plants include the Pondo Coconut, the Pondoland Ghost Bush, the Pondoland Conebush, Pondo Khat, Pondo Waterwood and Pondo Poison Pea.
An endemic species of lizard - the Pondo Dwarf Chameleon is also found only in this region.

Protected Areas

A National Road through this centre of endemism has been given the go-ahead despite environmental concerns.