Why plant indigenous?

Why Plant Indigenous Indigenous is trendy as there is a worldwide swing towards organics and planting local species. • Indigenous plants (sometime also called native plants) are plants that have evolved over thousands of years in a particular region. They have adapted to the geography, hydrology, and climate of that region. These plants occur in communities, that is, they have evolved together with other plants. As a result, a community of indigenous plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species such as songbirds and butterflies. • South Africa is home to more than 26 000 indigenous flowering plants from almost 230 different families. It is also the proud home of 10% of the world’s flowering species, making it a major contributor to the global ecological scene. • In our increasingly urbanized world, much of the threat to our native wildlife is through loss of habitat due to clearing for urban development or agriculture. This can be seen as a “death threat” for our native bushland, which has become increasingly fragmented as a result. • Even if you live on a small plot, planting a garden will help to stabilize soil, prevent dust and sand blowing into your home, create shade to cool the house and provide a space for animals and plants to live – creating an ecosystem and supporting biodiversity. • An indigenous garden will increase the value of your property as it has become a sought after, international trend in wildlife gardening. Why use Indigenous plants? • Indigenous plants do not require excessive fertilizers, pesticides and water and therefore excess fertilizer and pesticides does not find its way into our watercourses. • Indigenous plants help reduce air pollution. • Indigenous plants provide shelter and food for wildlife. • Indigenous plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage and eco systems. • Indigenous plants save money and are low maintenance. • Providing clean fresh air. • Increasing rainfall by releasing water vapour through transpiration.) • Securing our food resources: around one-third of our food comes from plants that rely on native pollinators such as insects! • Indigenous plants are used to develop new medicines, cosmetics and foods so conservation will benefit future generations. • Your indigenous garden will provide joy and entertainment on your doorstep as it’s a delight to see the butterflies, birds and “all creatures great and small” reaping the benefits of you endeavours. • Our plants are adapted to our rainfall patterns, droughts and extremes in temperature. • Local is “lekker”.