It's Freedom Day in South Africa tomorrow, the anniversary of the first free elections all races could participate in. The date has become a broader celebration of national heritage, identity, and the country's diversity, and it's diversity that's the big draw for botanists to the nation.
South Africa sits at the meeting point of several biomes and is one of the most botanically rich countries in the world, with 21,539 species and counting. The Cape Floristic Region is the smallest of the world's six floral kingdoms, yet around 69% of the plant species are endemic, making it extraordinarily valuable. It's Fynbos, a type of shrubland, that gets most attention, but there's also the Succulent Karoo, Bushveld, grasslands and Afromontane forest.
If your favourite species isn't listed in this game, it might be the next time we return to South Africa, or the next or the next.
How to Play
Plant Hunt is a game of memory. The goal is to match all the cards in the shortest number of time and attempts. You uncover cards in pairs, by clicking or tapping the back of them. If the cards match, you'll see them in large form, and they'll stay face up. Once you get them all, you'll get a time and move count. If you like you can share this with others, or be sneaky and try again. Though you might find your memory playing tricks, the more attempts you make.
If you want more information about the plants, you'll find it below the playing area.
Cover image: Protea cynaroides by AdventureLisa / iNaturalist CC0
