Generally, in the Tibesti vegetation occurs in five different belts depending on elevation. On Emi Koussi, Erica arborea is found up to elevations of , in the past it was probably more widespread. The summit region features montane vegetation, including Artemisia-Ephedra steppes which cover large parts of the caldera floor and may have been used as pastures. The lava flows high on the mountain have characteristic environmental traits which allow the development of a particular vegetation. This vegetation encompasses Dichrocephala, Eragrostis, Erodium, Helichrysum as well as ferns, liverworts and mosses. Oldenlandia and Selaginella species grow at fumaroles. The caldera floor was used as a pasture for camels and goats.