The fynbos is a shrubland characterized by a fire-prone ecosystem and Mediterranean climate. Although it is extremely rich in plant species, and has a high degree of floral endemism, very little is known regarding the fungi in this unique and fascinating environment.
The present study investigated the saprobic microfungi that colonise and utilize leaf and twig litter and senescent flowerheads of Proteaceae. A total of 29 species and sub-species belonging to four genera of Proteaceae were sampled from 12 sites in the Western Cape Province of South Africa spanning a period of two years (2000-2001).