As a result of past and present illegal logging, self-subsistent agriculture and shifting cultivation the forested areas rich in indigenous plant life are struggling to restore their natural balance. It is essential that logging and unsustainable agricultural practices are brought to a complete halt and that regeneration of the forest, and particularly the indigenous trees, is facilitated.

Some forested areas within the district are now mainly comprised of secondary growth, bushes and palms with patches of old indigenous forest with tall trees of many different species still existing. Some of these species, including Manilkara sulcuta and Afzelia quanzensis are important forage trees for various wildlife species as well as for local medicine.

Nine threatened plant species including the critically endangered Euphorbia tanaensis also occur within the Greater Lamu Eco-region.