Dry forest is home to representatives of 83 plant families and 252 genera.
Families most represented are Myrtaceae, Ebenaceae, Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae.
456 indigenous species testify to a high level of diversity. 262 of these species are endemic to NC (endemism level 57,5%). About 60 amongst them are only found in dry forests

Plant inventories have shown that a number of species are rare or endangered. With limited ability to natural propagation, wide dispersal over the west coast and extreme habitat fragmentation, their survival is a major cause for concern requiring urgent action.

Pittosporum tanianum, a species considered to be extinct by U.I.C.N, was rediscovered in 2002. This fact is clear evidence of a critical situation