The Flora

The different forest formations, which constitute the main attraction of the area, occur the higher up the visitor travels.

The world’s largest Juniper tree (Juniperus procera) and the only other African conifer (Podocarpus falcatus) dominate the lower forest edge. As you move upwards, broad-leaved tree species become more frequent.

The red flowers of the female trees of Hagenia abyssinica provide a traditional tapeworm cure of great importance in a country where raw meat is customary meal. The bright-yellow flowers of Hypericum lanceolatum provide the nectar for most of the local honey which is brewed to make mead. Rapania simensis is easily mistaken as rhododendron. Schefflera species are as common as pot plants in temperate zones, but here they grow into huge trees. Starting as parasites grafted on to other trees like oversized mistletoe, they end up suppressing and overwhelming their host.

The torch lily (Kiphophia foliosa) covers whole hillsides with its flame-coloured flowers between June and November.

In the sub-alpine zone above 3,200 metres, forests consist mainly of Hypericum (St. John’s wort) and Erica (heather). These are known in other parts of the world as forbs or small shrubs. These species are not just isolated, but, as visitors often notice, form proper forests. Lichen hanging from branches covered with moss gives a mystical, fairy-tale atmosphere to the forests.

Further up, the forest changes rather abruptly into heather covered moors. Due to the harsh climate (but also browsing and burning) the tree Erica only grows to bush height. In specific sites, the tree-like giant thistle (Echinops longisetus) with its huge ball-shaped red flower head grows up to 4 metres high. The palm-like giant lobelia (Lobelia rhynchopetalum) is most spectacular and reaches up to 12 metres.