Some subclans under the Lmasula phratry cultivate bees on the mountain, and as bee-keepers claim exclusive rights to the land and water.

African juniper (Juniperus procera) is the predominant tree at lower elevations and in drier areas, growing in pure stands or with Myrsine africana.

In high-elevation areas with the most condensing mist the bamboo Oldeania alpina forms dense thickets 6 to 8 meters tall.

Lasiosiphon glaucus is the dominant tree in summit forests, forming close stands up to 8 meters tall.

There are grassy clearings around the summit, maintained by regular burning and heavy livestock grazing by Samburu pastoralists.