Vegetation Zones of Nigeria
Nigeria's diverse climate supports seven main vegetational belts:
- Rainforest Belt: Southern region, including the Niger Delta; dense, tall trees (Iroko, Mahogany), high humidity and rainfall.
- Mangrove Swamp Forest: Coastal areas, especially Niger Delta; salt-tolerant species like Rhizophora and Nypa palm.
- Freshwater Swamp Forest: Niger-Benue floodplain and Cross River Basin; Raphia palms, Swamp Mahogany.
- Derived Savanna: Transition zone between rainforest and Guinea savanna; mix of tall grasses and scattered trees (Shea butter, Locust bean).
- Guinea Savannah: Central Nigeria; tall grasses, short trees (Baobab, Mango); distinct wet/dry seasons.
- Sudan Savannah: Northern region; shorter grasses, thorny shrubs; drier climate.
- Sahel Savanna: Far north, bordering the Sahel; sparse, drought-resistant vegetation (Acacia, Balanites); arid.