One of Mountainlands’ unique attractions is the wide variety of habits which support such a diverse plant population, from large trees through scrubland to waving grasslands. This area’s plant species diversity is second only in southern Africa to the Cape Fynbos. This is markedly higher than that of the Kruger National Park. The unique geology underlies a diversity of 2176 plant species discovered to date, an unusually high proportion of which are endemic to the area (meaning limited in range to a specific geographical area). It is home to such well known plants as the Barberton Daisy that was made famous by the amateur botanist, George Thorncroft, the spectacular Pride-of-de-Kaap, beautiful proteas and cycads.

Plants differ widely through the different habitats, many of which can be encountered within a short walk from one another. The vegetation is mostly Sour Bushveld of the Savanna Biome merging into the Northeastern Mountain Sourveld of the Grassland Biome at higher elevations. The range in elevation and broken mountainous topography results in a variety of habitats supporting a rich biodiversity (both plant and animal species), which also includes various elements of the Cape Fynbos.

Along the riverine fringes and lower valleys magnificent trees feature prominently. The isolated south facing Scarp Forests located in the Dycedale and Wonderscheur area of the reserve are considered unique and protection worthy in their own right. Here large yellowwood trees, orchids and other mistbelt forest dwellers are found in abundance.

MAP: A map of the Mpumalanga province and Kruger National Park, indicating plant species diversity per quarter degree grid and human disturbance.