fynbos

noun fyn·bos \ ˈfān-ˌbȯs \

Definition of fynbos

: a biome of southern coastal South Africa characterized by a diverse richness of endemic plant species (as of the heath, protea, composite, iris, and lily families), by soil that is acidic and nutrient-poor, and by a climate marked by cold wet winters and hot dry summers; also : the type of vegetation characteristic of this biome

Recent Examples of fynbos from the Web

Like many other fynbos plants, P. pubescens dislikes alkaline conditions and is intolerant of high levels of phosphorus.

— brian kemble, The Mercury News, "Feathery plant has strange family members," 16 Mar. 2017
Three plant groups are especially abundant in the fynbos areas: the Protea family, the Erica family (heaths and heathers), and the Restio family (rush-like plants used to thatch roofs in South Africa).

— brian kemble, The Mercury News, "Feathery plant has strange family members," 16 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fynbos.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.