A Centre of Endemism is an area in which the ranges of restricted-range species overlap , or a localised area which has a high occurrence of endemics. Centres of endemism may overlap with biodiversity hotspots which are biogeographic regions characterized both by high levels of plant endemism and by serious levels of habitat loss. The exact delineation of centres of endemism is difficult and some overlap with one another. Centres of endemism are high conservation priority areas.

Examples of Centres of Endemism

Tanzania

A local centre of endemism is focussed on an area of lowland forests around the plateaux inland of Lindi in SE Tanzania, with between 40 and 91 species of vascular plants which are not found elseware.

South Africa

At least 19 centres of plant endemism including:

• The Soutpansberg
  Soutpansberg
  The Soutpansberg meaning "Salt Pan Mountain" in Afrikaans, is a range of mountains in the far north of South Africa. It is named for the salt pan located at its western end. The mountain reaches the opposite extremity at in the Matikwa Nature Reserve, some due east...
  
   Centre of Plant Endemism
• The Maputaland
  Maputaland
  Maputaland is a region of southern Africa situated in the northern part of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and may also refer to the southern-most region of Mozambique. The South African section was also previously known as Tongaland after the Tonga people who live there, and is...
  
   Centre of Plant Endemism
• The Hantam–Roggeveld Centre of Plant Endemism
• The Drakensberg
  Drakensberg
  The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba , and in Sesotho as Maluti...
  
   Alpine Centre
• Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism
• The Cape Floristic Region
  Cape floristic region
  The Cape Floristic Region is a floristic region located near the southern tip of South Africa. It is the only floristic region of the Cape Floristic Kingdom, and includes only one floristic province, known as the Cape Floristic Province.The Cape Floristic Region, the smallest of the six recognised...
  
  
• The Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism
  Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism
  The Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism is situated in the coastal region overlapping the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It falls within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot. The region consists of grassy plateaus incised by forested ravines and gorges...