Pioneer species

Vegetation type

Species for social value

Ecological function

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)
Anisodontea scabrosa	rough-leaf African mallow, sand rose, pink mallow, hairy mallow	Attracts butterflies Can be used as a hedge Drought-resistant Fast-growing Fragrant Good potplant Pioneer species Suitable for clay soil Suitable for sandy soil This will attract honey bees Wind resistant	Atlantis Sand Fynbos Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos
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
Carpobrotus acinaciformis	Elands sour fig	Drought-resistant Easy to grow Edible It provides medicinal value Pioneer species This will attract honey bees Will attract monkey beetles	Cape Flats Sand Fynbos
Carpobrotus edulis	Sour fig	Easy to grow Edible It provides medicinal value Pioneer species This will attract honey bees Will attract monkey beetles	Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Elgin Shale Fynbos
Metalasia muricata	White Bristle Bush	Drought-resistant Easy to grow Edible Fragrant It provides medicinal value Pioneer species Suitable for sandy soil This will attract honey bees	Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Elgin Shale Fynbos
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
Osteospermum moniliferum	Tickberry	Attracts butterflies Can be used as a hedge Drought-resistant Easy to grow Edible Good for coastal areas It provides medicinal value Pioneer species This will attract honey bees Will attract monkey beetles	Cape Flats Dune Strandveld Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Elgin Shale Fynbos
Otholobium bracteolatum	Cape Town pea	Attracts butterflies Good potplant Pioneer species Suitable for sandy soil This will attract honey bees	Cape Flats Sand Fynbos
Pelargonium betulinum	Camphor-scented pelargonium	Drought-resistant Easy to grow Fast-growing Fragrant Good for coastal areas Good potplant It provides medicinal value Pioneer species This will attract honey bees Wind resistant	Cape Flats Sand Fynbos
Pelargonium capitatum	Rose-scented pelargonium	Drought-resistant Easy to grow Fragrant Good potplant It provides medicinal value Pioneer species Suitable for clay soil Suitable for sandy soil This will attract honey bees	Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Elgin Shale Fynbos
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