It is conventionally divided into three closely related subtypes:
Western Cape Talus This is a type of medium-height scree forest usually only found in small patches, growing on steep, rocky slopes and by mountain streams. It is endemic to the Western Cape. Based on location and the species composition of the forests, this type is often informally divided into riverine forests (
oewerbos in
Afrikaans) and scree forests (
dasbos in Afrikaans). The species composition of these two subtypes differs slightly, but they are still similar enough to be classed together as an ecosystem. The dominant, largest, and most obvious tree species are
Metrosideros angustifolia,
Brabejum stellatifolium,
Cassine schinoides,
Apodytes dimidiata,
Cunonia capensis,
Ilex mitis,
Kiggelaria africana,
Rapanea melanophloeos,
Olinia ventosa, and
Podocarpus elongatus. Western Cape Talus forests naturally undergo periodic disturbance, flooding in the case of riverine forests, and rock-slides in the case of scree forests. Swift regeneration immediately follows. The natural cycle of disturbance of the surrounding fynbos vegetation is fire-driven, but this has little effect on the sheltered talus forests. The main threats to this ecosystem are from invasive alien plants, especially
black wattle trees. The natural habitat of Western Cape Talus is usually within
catchment areas, and they thus perform an important function in regulating the water-systems and preventing erosion. They are also host to many scenic hiking trails and have value as a source of medicinal plants. In addition, several species (such as
Clivia mirabilis and
Cryptocarya angustifolia) are endemic to these forests and occur nowhere else in the world.
Western Cape Afrotemperate The thicker, deeper, denser "South-western Cape forests" are dominated by larger afromontane trees. These tall woodlands are typically found in sheltered gorges and mountainous areas in the Western Cape. They also include the Cape Peninsula Forests such as those at
Newlands Forest,
Kirstenbosch, and
Orangekloof, which are all located around
Table Mountain, within the city of
Cape Town. Typical species include massive trees such as
yellowwoods,
Ilex mitis,
Kiggelaria africana,
Assegai trees,
ironwoods,
Cunonia capensis,
Cassine species,
Olinia ventosa, and
Rapanea melanophloeos, which form the highest canopy; smaller trees such as
Halleria lucida,
Diospyros whyteana, and
Maytenus acuminata, which form a medium layer; as well as a variety of
ferns, herbs, bushes,
vines, and
lianas (e.g.
Asparagus scandens,
Rhoicissus tomentosa). Though not as rich in biodiversity as the Southern Cape Afrotemperate forests, these woodlands still contain a variety of endemic plants and animals which occur nowhere else in the world. The major threats come from invasive alien plants such as
Australian cheesewood,
bugweed, black wattle,
lantana,
privet, and
pine trees. Western Cape Afrotemperate forests have a high socioeconomic value, due to their use for
recreation such as hiking, their role in preserving the Western Cape's water supply, and their natural production of an enormous range of
medicinal plants.
Southern Cape Afrotemperate By far, the largest portion of Southern Afrotemperate Forest includes the enormous
Knysna-Tsitsikamma forests. It extends from
Mossel Bay in the
Western Cape, eastwards into the
Eastern Cape, nearly as far as Port Elizabeth. This is a tall, dense, species-rich forest in a moist and warm temperate climate. The highest canopy is formed from the intermeshed crowns of the most massive trees. Understories are formed from medium-sized, multitrunked trees and the forest floor is home to a range of indigenous shrubs, bushes, ferns, and flowers. Enormous
lianas and vines reach up to the canopy and between the branches and a variety of animals inhabit these woods. This forest is very similar to Western Cape Afrotemperate Forest with a very high species overlap; however, it also has some lesser similarities with the Amatole mistbelt forests that lie further to the east in the Drakensberg mountain range. Previously, large game was abundant, but today it is largely exterminated. A small population of
elephants survives at
Knysna. It is often subdivided into three smaller vegetation types: the Southern Cape Mountain forest, Coastal-Platform, and Scarp forests. ==Species==