The area can be subdivided into several distinct habitats, each with its distinguishing biodiversity. The Cuvelai drainage system is characterized by open, grassy drainage channels known as 'oshanas'. These are lined by the palm Hyphaene ventricosa and Colophospermum mopane trees dominate between the water courses. Adjoining to the south of this are the seasonally flooded grasslands on saline soils. Here the 'oshanas' converge into Lake Oponono via the Omuramba Etaka. Dominant grasses are Odyssea paucinervis, Sporobolus spicata and S. salsus, Panicum lanipes, Monelytrum luederitzianum and Eragrostris spp. To the south of this is the Etosha Pans complex which can be classified as saline desert.