Over 1,500 higher plants (flora) have been identified in the Iwokrama Forest. Most of the Iwokrama Forest comprises a mixture of forest types, with approximately twelve types classified and with no particular species dominating. Rather, there are changes in the relative abundance of essentially the same suite of canopy species which commonly includes the commercial species.
A wide variety of plant life can be found in the Forest and neighbouring lands. Approximately 75% of the area in the north of the reserve can be described as Tropical Moist Forest and 25% in the south as Tropical Dry Forest.
 Vegetation on mountains and hills in the region do not reach sufficient elevation, given the latitude, to be classified as tropical montane or cloud forests, though geology, steep slopes, mesa-like summits and thin soils have created conditions better suited to low-statured, epiphytic, xerophytic and rheophytic plants that characterize these formations.

Common Trees 

Soft Wallaba is the most common tree species found in Iwokrama Forest. Others found in high densities are Baromalli, Black Kakaralli, Wamara, Mora, Crabwood, and Greenheart. The densities of stems can vary tremendously, as does the geographic variation of these densities across the reserve.
 In 2003, inventories within the Forest were completed and have yielded detailed information regarding density and size. Please see the stand table (PDF) for those results (and scientific names) for the 15 most abundant species.
Of these 15 species, more than half are of proven commercial value; mostly for timber.
Key Tree Species of Iwokrama
 Greenheart
Scientific name: Chlorocardium rodiei

• Found only in the Guiana Shield.
• Extremely dense.
• Very high commercial value.
• Used worldwide for bridges, walkways, wharves and docks; used locally in the construction of houses.
• One of the most durable woods when in contact with sea water.

Crabwood
Scientific name: Carapa guianensis

• Used to make furniture.
• Oils produced from its seeds are used for up to 40 different purposes, including insect repellent and hair oil; some pharmacies use the oil for soaps, candles and insecticidal washes.

 Purpleheart
Scientific name: Peltogyne spp.

• Deep purplish chestnut wood
• Used for crafts, furniture and doors.

Notable species commonly found to occur in relatively high densities in northern Guyana but thus far appearing rare or absent from the Iwokrama Forest include Clump Wallaba (Dicymbe altsonii), Ituri Wallaba (Eperua spp.), Apoukito (Chamaecrista apoucouita) and Watapa (Eperua rubiginosa var. rubiginosa). In contrast, a number of tree species not well known from northern Guyana have been collected and inventoried in the area, mainly in the Tropical Dry/Seasonal Forest association. These include the commercially important Brazilian Cedar (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and Wamaradan (Dicorynia guianensis).