Knersvlakte

The Knersvlakte is a semi-desert, in many parts covered with small white quartz stones and a part of the Succulent Karoo. It was named by the Boers, under whose iron wagon wheels crunching the stones.

The result is the plane as a bed surface and alluvial fans of the former delta of the Olifants River and the Sout River. It has an undulating landscape with single dome- like elevations. To the west lies the Sandveld. Their eastern side is bordered by the Bokkeveldberge.

Geographically, the Knersvlakte located in the triangle of places Vanrhynsdorp, Nuwerus and Lutzville, in the Western Cape, South Africa.

A variety of plants (about 1300 species ) have adapted to the harsh climate, including 250 endemic species and three endemic genera. Most are succulents and geophytes. 128 species are on the Red List of threatened species.

Particularly well represented are Mesembryanthemum plants and thick leaf plants of the genera:

Currently, the WWF -SA is to expand the nature reserve ( 44,000 ha to 50,000 ha) and to achieve a continuous connection with other protected areas of Namaqualand. Also, the classification is as a biosphere reserve in the works.

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