Which types of vegetation grow in Eswatini?

Eswatini features a diverse range of natural vegetation, primarily consisting of forests, savanna, and grassland.12

The distribution of these types is influenced by factors such as soil composition and moisture levels. Key characteristics include:2

• Forests: These are largely confined to the Highveld and the windward slopes of the Lubombo escarpment, encompassing both wet and dry forest varieties. Additionally, the Highveld contains extensive man-made timber plantations, primarily consisting of pine and eucalyptus.23
• Savanna: This vegetation type exists in varying densities across the country.2
• Grassland: Several types of grassland are present, categorized as either sweet or sour based on their palatability for livestock when mature and dry.2

Overall, Eswatini possesses a rich flora, with more than 2,600 species of ferns and flowering plants, some of which are endemic to the region. However, human population growth and agricultural practices, such as overgrazing by livestock, have contributed to vegetation loss in some areas.123