Clanwilliam, the gateway to South Africa’s finest floral region, is opening its doors once again with its Wild Flower Show taking place from the 22-27 August 2008.

Showcasing the unique flora exclusive to the Clanwilliam district and Ramskop Nature Reserve while also raising public awareness on conservation issues, the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show has become a standing tradition for flower fanatics since its inception in 1972. Every year visitors with a love and appreciation of the beauty of wild flowers are drawn back to a blossoming Clanwilliam, indisputably the first must-see of the floral fantasy land the region transforms into. A new medicinal garden has also been planted during the past year to add to the comprehensive variety of flora in the region.

Taking place amidst the exceptional ambience created by the Neo-Gothic architecture of the N.G. Kerk building, the exhibition illustrates the natural beauty of the region through reconstructed landscapes featuring the plants and wild flowers from the Clanwilliam area and the Ramskop Nature Reserve.

Clanwilliam has the largest variety of wild flowers in one district in the world due to the vastly differing topography of the area which sees a dry and arid Karoo environment merging with the marshlands found at the foot of the Cederberg and Pakhuis mountains. Over 400 species from 38 different plant families are displayed at the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show every year, many of them growing nowhere else in the world.

These wild flower wonders include Geel Perdekop, Sneeuprotea, Blou Bergaster, Cederboom, Rooibos, Geel Botterblom, Boegoe and Pienk Handjie.

Visitors to the Ramskop Nature Reserve will appreciate the metamorphosis it has recently undergone and can look forward to new succulent and water-rich area plant displays. There is a tea garden available laden with a variety of delicacies to provide sustenance for plant-lovers and a scenic footpath to meander along with stunning views of the popular Clanwilliam dam.

The official opening of the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show will take place on the 21 August at 6pm and the public are invited to attend. The show is open from 8am-7pm daily and the entry fee is R20 for adults, R15 for pensioners and R5 for children. Various exciting activities like music performances, art competitions for kids, hiking trails and trips are on offer throughout the show which promises a memorable experience for the whole family.

For more information on the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show visit www.clanwilliam.info or contact the Clanwilliam Tourist Information Office on 027 482 2024.