Zimbabwe’s Diverse Vegetation Types

Seven Main Vegetation Communities

1. Afromontane forest and scrub – Eastern Highlands
2. Combretum/Terminalia woodland – Widespread on sandy soils
3. Colophospermum mopane woodland – Hot, dry lowveld
4. Dry Acacia/Baikiaea woodland – Kalahari sand regions
5. Moist Brachystegia (miombo) woodland – Higher rainfall north/east
6. Dry Brachystegia woodland – Central plateau
7. Mopane scrub – Arid, shallow soils

Riverine Species

Along watercourses: Acacia senegal, Ziziphus mauritiana, Balanites aegyptiaca.

Ecological Significance

This diversity supports rich wildlife, pastoralism, and tourism. Threats include agricultural expansion, firewood collection, and climate change.