The vegetation assessment was conducted to document the species along the proposed canal. One hundred and six (106) species belonging to forty-one plant families within the corridor of the proposed canal were found. The most dominant plant families observed were Fabaceae (13.8%), followed by Convolvulaceae (6.4%), Poaceae (6.4%), Tiliaceae (5.5%), Acanthaceae (4.6%), and Capparaceae (4.6%) respectively.

Out of the 105 recorded species, only one species, Afzelia quanzensis (Welw), has been listed as Vulnerable (VU) at the national level (Msekandiana & Mlangeni, 2002). The species is widely used in Malawi for timber, wood carving, and charcoal. Globally, it is listed as Least Concern (LC). The rest of the species are either categorized as Not Evaluated (NE) or as Least Concern (LC). Apart from Afzelia quanzensis, Lengwe has stands of Colophospermum mopane (Kirk ex Benth.) Kirk ex J.Léonard, a tree species highly targeted for its durable timber and charcoal. Many stumps were observed during fieldwork, but since the area is protected, there has been significant natural regeneration, ensuring the long-term survival of the species.