The name fynbos is Afrikaans for 'fine bush' and refers to the fine, needle-like leaves of many fynbos and cape flora species. The majority of the plants are evergreen sclerophyll (hard-leaf) plants. Three of the characteristic fynbos plant families are proteas, ericas and restios.

Proteas are represented by many species and are prominent in the landscape as one of the few large-leaf plant types, generally with large striking flowers which may be pollinated by birds.

Ericas or heaths are generally smaller plants with many small, tubular flowers and needle-like leaves.

The grass-like restios - only a few species of which are known outside the fynbos area - grow in wetter areas.