The vegetation varies with elevation. Submontane forests extend from approximately to meters elevation. Above elevation are distinct montane forests and patches of montane grassland, bamboo forest, and subalpine grasslands and shrublands. The ecoregion is characterized by the presence of
Afromontane species, which have an archipelago-like distribution across the highlands of Africa and are distinct from the lowland flora. Typical afromontane tree species are
Nuxia congesta, Olea capensis, Podocarpus milanjianus, Prunus africana, Myrsine melanophloeos, and
Syzygium staudtii. Submontane forests from 850 to 1600 meters elevation typically have an open canopy. Common trees include species of
Alchornea, along with species characteristic of the adjacent lowland plant communities, like semi-deciduous forests (species of
Ficus, Santiria, Symphonia, Allanblackia and
Anthocleista) and savanna (species of
Lannea, Bridelia, Lophira, and
Fabaceae). Grasses are abundant in the understorey. From 1600 to 2000 meters, trees from the
Euphorbiaceae family predominate, including species of
Macaranga, Alchornea, and
Mallotus. Savanna and semi-deciduous forest species -
Ficus, Lophira, Bridelia, Lannea, and Fabaceae – are also present. The Afromontane genus
Astropanax is abundant, and Afromontane species including
Olea capensis, Syzygium, Maesa,
Meliaceae, and
Clematis grow in smaller numbers. Grasses remain common in the understory. The ericaceous belt is a transition between the upper montane forests and high-elevation grasslands, ranging from approximately 2750 up to 2950 meters elevation. Shrubs and stunted trees of genus
Ericaceae, including
Erica mannii and
Erica silvatica, are predominant. Subalpine grasslands grow above 2800 meters elevation, with many grasses, and herbs in the genera
Alchemilla and
Anthospermum and the families
Caryophyllaceae,
Asteraceae, and
Lamiaceae. ==Fauna==