Many Afrotropical elements have their northern limits at Gabal Elba, and the dense cover of acacias and other scrubs represents the only natural woodland in Egypt. There is at least one endemic species of plant (Biscutella elbensis).
Gabal Elba marks the northern extent for many Afrotropical elements, while the dense cover of acacias and other scrub vegetation represents the only natural woodland in Egypt. An endemic plant species, Biscutella elbensis, is known to exist.