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 The widespread succulent Karoo bush in the valley is probably why the Baviaanskloof is classified as a part of the Little Karoo. However Little Karoo also implies semi arid landscape. The valley is surprisingly luscious and supports a wider variety of plant species than would have been otherwise expected. More than 1,200 plant species, including the rare endemic Willowmore cedar (Widdringtonia schwartzii) can be seen. The timber due to its size and durability was once harvested intensively. Now all that remains are small clumps of trees hiding in inaccessible ravines and the odd stunted specimen cowering along the mountaintops, visible only to the trained eye. As part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and due to the areas diverse habitat, the spectacular landscapes harbor more than a 1000 different plant species. The flora of the area encompasses a great range of genetic diversity, which includes the genetically distinct and ancient cycads. Two surviving species of these ancient plants are found in the Baviaanskloof area. On the northern slopes of the Baviaanskloof mountain ranges Spekboomveld and Valley Bushveld are most prevalent. On the southern slopes Fynbos flourishes and the mountain plateaus grasslands are to be found. In the clearwater streams little red-finned minnows are found and arum lilies and geraniums grow in the wild, along with other flowering plants.  Information obtained from various websites. Routes in the Baviaanskloof 
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