Flora - Terrestrial Ecosystems

Discover Kenya's diverse terrestrial plant life, from the giant lobelias of Mount Kenya's alpine zones to the iconic baobab trees of the arid savannahs. Our database features over 2,000 species across mountain, savannah, forest, and desert ecosystems, including 200+ endemic species.

Mountain Ecosystems

Alpine and montane flora from Mount Kenya and Aberdare Range

Giant Lobelia

Lobelia deckenii

Specialized water reservoirs between leaves, unique to East African mountains above 3,500m elevation.

Vulnerable

Giant Groundsel

Dendrosenecio spp.

Endemic to East African mountains with leaves up to 1 meter long, adapted to extreme altitude conditions.

Near Threatened

Cedar

Juniperus procera

Dominant tree in evergreen forest zones, important for water catchment and timber production.

Least Concern

African Redwood

Hagenia abyssinica

Evergreen tree with glossy pinnate leaves and reddish-brown bark, found in Aberdare Range montane forests.

Least Concern

Alpine Bamboo

Yushania alpina

Extends up to approximately 3,000 meters in bamboo zone, forming dense stands on mountain slopes.

Least Concern

Tree Groundsel

Senecio spp.

Found in mountain moorlands between 3,000-3,500m, along with tree heaths and giant lobelias.

Least Concern

Savannah Ecosystems

Grassland and scattered tree species adapted to seasonal rainfall

Baobab

Adansonia digitata

Massive trunk with exceptional longevity, water storage capabilities make it crucial for arid ecosystem survival.

Least Concern

Whistling Thorn Acacia

Vachellia drepanolobium

Hollow thorns house stinging ants in symbiotic relationship, creating distinctive whistling sounds in wind.

Least Concern

Flamboyant Tree

Delonix regia

Known for striking red flowers that bloom spectacularly, creating vibrant displays across savannah landscapes.

Least Concern

Impala Lily

Adenium multiflorum

Succulent tree with bright flowers that blooms during dry season, adapted to arid conditions.

Least Concern

Red Grass

Themeda triandra

Highly resilient to dry climate, provides essential food for herbivores across Kenya's savannah ecosystems.

Least Concern

Large-flowered Grass

Digitaria macroblephara

Key grass species in savannah ecosystems, adapted to seasonal rainfall patterns and grazing pressure.

Least Concern

Forest Ecosystems

Dense forest species and important water catchment vegetation

Sokoke Palm

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Endemic to coastal forests like Arabuko-Sokoke, part of biodiversity hotspot with many endemic species.

Vulnerable

Mtondoo Tree

Calophyllum inophyllum

Coastal forest species whose oil is traditionally used for lighting and medicine by local communities.

Least Concern

Green-Twigs Quar

Pterospermum trilobatum

Valued for its hard wood in coastal forests, important for local construction and crafts.

Least Concern

Desert & Arid Ecosystems

Xerophytic vegetation adapted to extreme drought conditions

Desert Date

Balanites aegyptiaca

Hardy stems and edible fruits, well-adapted to northern and eastern Kenya's arid conditions.

Least Concern

Camelthorn Tree

Acacia erioloba

Deep root system and nutritious pods, essential for arid ecosystem survival and wildlife nutrition.

Least Concern

Terrestrial Flora Database Statistics

Real-time data from our comprehensive biodiversity database

2,000+

Total Plant Species

150+

Mountain Species

800+

Savannah Species

600+

Forest Species

200+

Endemic Species

45

Endangered Species

300+

Medicinal Plants

250+

Arid Adapted Species

Data Loading

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