The park's forests are important to the hydrology of the region, helping moderate rainfall runoff and protect water quality.

Atlantic hurricanes occasionally come ashore from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing intense rain and causing flooding in the region.

Other characteristic plants include yerbanís (Tagetes lucida), acedia (Ageratum corymbosum) carrestolianda (Senecio aschenbornianus), and calaguala (Polypodium aureum).

Three locally-occurring species are accorded special protection by the government – Ferocactus histrix, a cactus locally known as borrachitas biznaga, the orchid Laelia speciosa, known as laelia de mayo or mayito, and the cycad Ceratozamia zaragozae, locally known as palmita.

[2] The drought of 2010–2012 weakened many trees, making them vulnerable to pine bark beetles (Dendroctonus sp.)