How do the Sudanic savanna and the Guinea Coast differ in vegetation?

The vegetation of the Sudanic savanna and the Guinea Coast differs primarily due to variations in climate and proximity to the ocean.

The Guinea Coast is characterized by a tropical environment that supports distinct coastal vegetation, notably fringes of mangrove trees and stands of oil palms on the coastal plains. Because the region experiences high rainfall and is influenced by the warm, humid conditions of the Gulf of Guinea, it also contains patches of rainforest featuring species such as teak, mahogany, and ebony.12

In contrast, the Sudanic savanna represents a transition zone between the lush equatorial rainforests and the arid regions to the north. Its vegetation is defined by a continuous grass cover, with grasses that can reach heights of 5 to 10 feet during the rainy season. Trees in this region are more scattered and often deciduous, including baobabs and shea trees. Unlike the dense coastal forests, the savanna is shaped by alternating wet and dry seasons and frequent bushfires, which favor fire-resistant grasses and drought-adapted woody plants.31