Cameroon Natural Heritage
Explore Cameroon's extraordinary biodiversity — home to 5 distinct vegetation zones, 900+ bird species, and vast mineral wealth spanning the Congo Basin to the Sahel.
Regional Resource Map
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to explore its flora, fauna & earth resources
10 of 10 shown
African Mahogany
Acajou (Khaya ivorensis)
A towering hardwood reaching 45 m, prized for its reddish-brown timber. Found in the dense equatorial forests of the South and Littoral regions. Its seeds are dispersed by wind, and the bark is used in traditional medicine to treat fever and malaria.
Raffia Palm
Raphia hookeri / R. farinifera
The most economically important palm of the Bamileke highlands. Young stems yield raffia wine (palm wine), leaves are woven into baskets and walls, and fibres are used for rope and textiles. The palm dies after flowering once.
Prunus africana (African Cherry)
Pygeum (Prunus africana)
A montane tree found above 1500 m on Mount Cameroon and the Bamenda Highlands. Its bark extract is globally traded as a pharmaceutical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Over-harvesting has made it endangered in Cameroon.
Okoumé
Aucoumea klaineana
One of Africa's most important plywood trees, growing up to 60 m in the Congo Basin forests of South and East Cameroon. Its resin was historically used for torches and caulking canoes. Major export timber species.
Cameroon Pepper (Penja White Pepper)
Piper nigrum (Penja variety)
Grown exclusively in the volcanic soils around Penja (Littoral Region), this white pepper is the first African agricultural product to receive Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Internationally regarded as among the world's finest peppers.
Moabi Tree
Baillonella toxisperma
A sacred giant of the Congo Basin forests, growing to 60 m with buttress roots spanning 8 m. The seeds yield moabi oil used in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. Communities traditionally own individual trees passed down through families.
Giant Lobelia
Lobelia columnaris
An extraordinary giant groundsel endemic to the high altitudes of Mount Cameroon and the Cameroon Highlands. Can grow to 5 m tall, with spiral rosettes of leaves and tall blue flower spikes. Adapted to extreme cold and UV radiation at elevation.
Bitter Kola
Garcinia kola
Known locally as 'wonder nut', bitter kola seeds are chewed as a stimulant and traded across West Africa. Used medicinally against cough, throat infections, and as a digestive. Has deep ritual significance — offered at traditional ceremonies across Cameroon.
Bamboo (Highland Bamboo)
Yushania alpina
The dominant highland bamboo of the Cameroon Highlands, forming dense mountain forest patches above 2000 m. Critical habitat for the drill monkey and mountain gorilla. Stems used in construction and furniture; shoots are edible.
African Breadfruit
Treculia africana
A large forest tree with round fruits up to 50 cm diameter. Seeds are roasted or boiled and eaten as 'ukwa' — a nutritious staple. The bark is used to treat skin infections and the wood is durable for construction.