Flora of Chad: From Desert to Savanna to Forest

Chad's vegetation zones follow a pronounced north-south rainfall gradient, creating three distinct phytogeographic regions.

Northern Desert (Saharan Zone)

• Acacia species (Acacia nilotica, A. tortilis)
• Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) in oases
• Drought-tolerant grasses (Aristida, Panicum)

Central Savanna (Sahelian Zone)

• Baobab (Adansonia digitata)
• Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
• Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa)
• Acacia woodlands
• Perennial grasses (Andropogon, Hyparrhenia)
• Fire-resistant shrubs (Combretum, Terminalia)

Southern Forest (Sudanian Zone)

• Iroko (Milicia excelsa)
• African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis)
• Teak (Tectona grandis – planted)
• Afzelia (Afzelia africana)
• Diverse lianas, epiphytes, ferns

These plant communities support Chad's agriculture, pastoralism, and biodiversity.