Balanites aegyptiaca
The Sahel is mostly covered in grassland and savanna, with areas of woodland and shrubland. Grass cover is fairly continuous across the region, dominated by annual grass species such as "Cenchrus biflorus, Schoenefeldia gracilis" and "Aristida stipoides". Species of acacia are the dominant trees, with "Acacia tortilis" the most common, along with "Acacia senegal" and "Acacia laeta". Other tree species include "Commiphora africana", "Balanites aegyptiaca", "Faidherbia albida", and "Boscia senegalensis". In the northern part of the Sahel, areas of desert shrub, including "Panicum turgidum" and "Aristida sieberana", alternate with areas of grassland and savanna. During the long dry season, many trees lose their leaves and the predominantly annual grasses die.