NAMPO CAPE 2024: A FLORAL CELEBRATION

The Cape Floral Kingdom is a floristic region located near the southern tip of South Africa. It is  the smallest of the six recognised floral kingdoms of the world, and is recognised as one of the most unique places for plants in terms of diversity, density and number of endemic species. This  area is home to over 9,000 species, of which 69 percent are endemic. A large portion of this diversity is associated with the fynbos biome, a Mediterranean-type, fire-prone shrub land occurring on acid sands or nutrient-poor soils.

Numerous members of the heath family (Ericaceae), reed family of restios (Restionaceae), and protea family (Proteaceae) can be found among the many different plant species that call Fynbos home. The grassy shrub land known as the renosterveld is found on the base-rich shaley soils of the coastal forelands. It is primarily dominated by members of the daisy family (Asteraceae), including renosterbos (Elytropappus rhinocerotis), graminoids, and geophytes.

The economical worth of fynbos biodiversity, based on harvests of fynbos products (e.g. wildflowers) and eco-tourism, is estimated to be in the region of R77 million a year. Thus, it is clear that the Cape Floristic Region has both economic and intrinsic biological value as a biodiversity hotspot.

In 2004, the "Cape Floral Region Protected Areas" were inscribed as a World Heritage Site. The De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Cape Agulhas district is one of these protected areas and therefore it is apt to celebrate the Overberg landscape at NAMPO Cape 2024.

Neptun Fynbos exhibition

Visitors to NAMPO Cape will be welcomed in the Overberg this year by a sea of golden yellow Canola lands. The theme of the Neptune Fynbos exhibition is a Celebration of the Overberg Landscape.  This exhibition was designed by landscape architect, Jan Hagen, of Zantedeschia Concepts and Hannalie Aggenbach and Gert Daniels transformed the Neptun Hall into a vibrant piece of the unique Cape Floral Kingdom with typical plants from the fynbos and renosterveld biomes of the Overberg. The proteas, pincushions and heather look like they have been growing there for years.  This eventful exhibition creates new awareness of the phenomenal natural environment of the Overberg and is definitely a highlight on the NAMPO Cape menu.

Visitors can also sit back and relax a bit at the Napier Garden Café in the Neptune Hall while they will be received with Overberg hospitality and can refresh body and soul amongst the flowers.

Voermol Flora exhibition

Every year visitors to NAMPO Cape are amazed by the impressive flower arranging exhibition under the direction of Marjolijn Malan. This year will be no exception. With the theme Overberg Celebration, she is planning a celebration of the fifth presentation of NAMPO Cape. This year, Marjolijn is very secretive and tight-lipped, but it is sure to be an impressive installation with some previous themes that will be making an appearance again. Definitely something to look forward to.

Well-known flower arrangers from as far away as Cape Town and George will be participating in a competition themed "Celebration”. The public will one again judge this competition and can vote for their favourite arrangement.

Gerhard van Deventer of Zandberg Fynbos also exhibits examples of exceptional indigenous plants. Pottery artist and sculptor, Nelis Singels, exhibits some of his wildlife inspired works. Sheillam Cactus Nursery is also exhibiting some of their collection of cacti, succulents and cycads. There will be fresh and dry flowers on sale, so visitors can take a piece of the Overberg beauty with them.

See you there!

Entrance tickets are available online at www.ticketpros.co.za, with discounts on entrance fees for online purchases, at R80 for adults and R50 for school-aged children. Tickets at the gates will be on sale at R100 for adults and R50 for children. Preschoolers come in for free. NAMPO Cape runs from Wednesday, 11 to Friday, 13 September from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturday, 14 September from 08:00 – 14:00

For more information about NAMPO Cape 2024, visit www.nampokaapco.za, contact Chrystal van Wyk on 028 050 1385 or email admin@expo.org.za