Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Two key attributes of biodiversity, species richness and endemism are documented, analysed and mapped for the indigenous spermatophyte plant taxa of Namibia. A provisional diversity map is presented and transitional zones were shown to be the most significant for species richness. Distribution maps of the majority of endemic species in Namibia are shown together for the first time. Combinations of these data were used to map the overall distribution of endemic taxa, localities where significant numbers of local endemics occur, as well as the species that can be found in taxon phytogeographic centres. Recurring patterns are evident and areas of high species concentrations are catalogued. This thesis has contributed to the knowledge of the large number of plant taxa for .which Namibia is solely responsible, i.e. endemics restricted to within the political borders of Namibia. The mapping used an updateable, but permanent dataset on which future applications can be based. Examples of the uses of phytogeographic information proposed, include not only the traditional role in the identification of species in the herbarium, but also in creating a better basis for future policy especially in the development of land management strategies and conservation of Namibia's plant wealth / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Twee sleutelkenmerke van biodiversiteit, naamlik spesiesrykheid en endemisme word dokumenteer, ontleed, en karteer vir die inheemse saadplante van Namibië. 'n Voorlopige kaart van diversiteit word voorsien waaruit blyk dat oorgangsgebiede die belangrikste is vir spesiesrykheid. Verspreidingskaarte van meeste van die endemiese spesies in Namibië is word vir die eerste keer gesamentlik aangebied. Kombinasies van hierdie gegewens is gebruik om die algehele verspreiding van endemiese taksa, plekke waar betekenisvolle aantalle plaaslike endemiese taksa voorkom, sowel as die spesies wat voorkom in takson-geografiese sentrums, te karteer. Herhalende patrone is sigbaar, en gebiede met hoë specieskonsentrasies is gelys. Hierdie tesis het bygedra tot die kennis van 'n groot aantal plantsoorte waarvoor Namibië alleen verantwoordelik is, synde endemiese soorte wat beperk is tot binne die polieke grense van Namibië. Die kartering het 'n opdateerbare, maar permanente, databasis gebruik waarop toekomstige aanwendings baseer kan word. Voorbeelde van die gebruike van plantgeografiese inligting wat voorgestel is, sluit in tradisionele gebruik in die identifikasie van species in die herbarium, sowel as die skepping van 'n beter fondament vir toeskomstige beleid in veral die ontwikkeling van bestuurstrategië en bewaring van Namibia se planterykdom