Pioneer species

The following species can be used as some of the first species to be planted. They are hardy, fast-growing, and will tolerate soil that is not in a great condition. Make sure you plant these species before adding more sensitive species.

Scientific name Common name Features Vegetation type(s)
Arctotheca calendula Capeweed Attracts butterflies
Easy to grow
Good for coastal areas
Pioneer species
This will attract honey bees
Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Elgin Shale Fynbos Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
Eriocephalus africanus Wild rosemary Drought-resistant
Easy to grow
Edible
Fragrant
It provides medicinal value
Pioneer species
This will attract honey bees
Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
Helichrysum patulum Honeyeverlasting It provides medicinal value
Pioneer species
This will attract honey bees
Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
Leucadendron argenteum Silver tree Drought-resistant
Fragrant
It can be used as a construction material
Pioneer species
Sensitive roots
This is a bird-friendly species
This will attract honey bees
Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
Ornithogalum thyrsoides Chincherinchee Easy to grow
Good potplant
It provides medicinal value
Pioneer species
This will attract honey bees
Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
Seriphium plumosum Kooigoed Drought-resistant
Easy to grow
Edible
Fast-growing
It can be used as a construction material
It provides medicinal value
Pioneer species
Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
Capeweed

Arctotheca calendula

Wild rosemary

Eriocephalus africanus

Honeyeverlasting

Helichrysum patulum

Silver tree

Leucadendron argenteum

Chincherinchee

Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Kooigoed

Seriphium plumosum