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IntroductionThe aims of this bookThe tree cover in Ethiopia continues todwindle every year. The major reason forthis resource shrinkage is the increasinglyintensive use of land for crop and livestockproduction. Cutting down trees for fuelwoodand construction materials also plays a role.About 92% of the nation’s total energycomes from biomass sources, with wood andtree residues accounting for 77%. Currently,fuelwood is scarce in 75 % of the country.Another factor affecting deforestation isfailure by farmers to widely use biologicalmeasures, including planting shrubs andtrees, to control soil erosion and mitigateland degradation. There are many reasonswhy farmers have not adopted effectivesoil conservation over the years. Some ofthe reasons are of a political nature, such aslack of land and tree tenure. Others relate tolack of information — often farmers do notfarmers do not know the species best suitedto their areas.Weak extension services have also contributed.Many of the approaches and technicalsolutions promoted by the extension workershave not attracted farmers’ interest.Regrettably, forestry is not considered as ameans by which Ethiopians can fight foodinsecurity. Yet forestry is the source ofdiversified high-value industrial commoditiesthat can guarantee economic access to foodand improve people’s lives.Due to the wide variety of agroclimatic andsocio‑economic conditions in Ethiopia, Useful Trees and Shrubs of Ethiopiano uniform extension package appliednationwide can be effective. On the contrary,extension systems should engage local peoplein dialogue so that their local circumstancesare taken into account and their wishesgiven priority. So far, training of forestersand agriculturalists has not provided thesecadres with a sound knowledge of the widerange of tree species that can be grown indifferent areas and their local uses.Forestry training has focused on industrialforestry, while agriculturalists have beentrained in crop production and animalhusbandry. Knowledge of how farmers usetrees and how trees can be incorporated intofarming systems has not been given priority.As a result, few development agents (DAs)can communicate effectively with localpeople, who, in turn, remain indifferent tothe extension messages.Often, in extension work, a few exoticspecies are promoted at the expense of richindigenous flora of interest to communities.Farmers and pastoralists have accumulatedknowledge on the uses and characteristics ofdifferent tree species over many generations,but forestry policies and extension workershave given such local knowledge littleattention. In some cases, extension workersknow less about the propagation andmanagement of locally preferred species thanthe local people themselves. Consequently,farmers have little respect for the extensionagents and their advice when it comes totree or shrub identification, propagation andmanagement.

This book aims to help rectify this situationby providing information on a selection ofuseful tree and shrub species for the rangeof conditions in the 17 agroclimatic zonesfound in Ethiopia. The book is intendedfor use by staff involved in extension at alllevels. It is also suitable for use in the formaleducation system, both in specialized trainingof foresters and agriculturalists as well as inhigh schools and teacher training colleges.The is a practical handbook; not a botanicaltextbook. Therefore, efforts have been madeto present the material in simple English,although it is impossible to avoid the use ofsome technical vocabulary when describingsome of the important characteristics of thetrees and shrubs listed.A lot of information has been added tothis revised edition. Seventeen agroclimaticzones are covered, up from 12 in the firstedition. The number of languages coveredhas increased from 18 to 24.There are, however, still large gaps inthe information provided, especially innewly added species for which only basicinformation was gathered.Criteria for selectionof the speciesThere are well over 6,600 higher plant speciesin Ethiopia, including 22 that are threatened,and it would have been impossible to includethem all in this handbook. The presentselection is a compromise representingthe most important species as indicatedby farmers contacted in Amhara, Tigray,Oromia, Southern peoples, Gambella,Benshangul Guuz Harrari, Dire Dawa, Afar,Somali and Addis Ababa regional states (seemap of administrative regions on pages 10and 11) and the author’s experience.Species were also selected based on theiroccurrence in crop, grazing or communalland as well as on the knowledge offarmers, pastoralists and extension workersinterviewed by the main author. The fact thata species has been found to be useful does notnecessarily mean that it must be planted. Formany species, particularly in drier lowlandareas, protection of natural regrowth may infact be a more effective and cheaper way toensure long-term survival.A few species such as the oil-rich Jatrophacurcas and many that are good for timberare included because of their industrialvalue and potential to become investmentprojects in which farmers can be involved asoutgrowers.We have included indigenous and exoticspecies. For exotic species, we indicate if thetree has been naturalized.The species selected are almost all trees,but a number of large and small shrubs arealso included. There are, however, a fewexceptions. Tall grasses such as Arundinariaalpina, Oxytenanthera abyssinica, Arundodonax and Olyra latifolia have been included,as well as the tree fern Cyathea manniana,the climbers Rhoicissus spp., scramblers suchas Phytolacca dodecandra, the giant herb ofthe banana family Ensete ventricosum and theeconomically significant herb Aloe vera.In the selection are fruit species such as Citrusmedica, Citrus aurantifolia, Casimiroa edulisand Malus domestica.Introduction

The large woody Euphorbia species areunusual in their family but are also includedhere because they are useful and well knownin Africa.We hope that subsequent editions of the bookwill cover more species as our knowledge andcontacts with the rural communities grow.How to use this bookGeneral usage instructionsThis book can be used in a number of waysand it is largely up to the user to find outhow best to use it in his or her particularsituation. A few hints will be given here.In extension, the book can be used to identifytrees and for information on different species.In the field, local people may often indicatethat a certain species is useful and knowits name. Using the local name as an entrypoint, the extension worker can identifythe corresponding species name indicatedin the section on Vernacular Names. Afterfinding the corresponding scientific name,he or she can then compare the criteria ofthe species in the field with the identificationcriteria indicated in Part III of this book.If the criteria match, the extension agentnow informs farmers on the possible usesof the species, methods of propagation andmanagement requirements.If the vernacular name does not appear inthe list, another option is to search directlyfor the species in Part III. In this case, theextension agent should try to identify thespecies from the description, drawings andphotographs. If the text in the descriptionis difficult to understand, a study of the Useful Trees and Shrubs of Ethiopiaillustrated glossary of botanical terms (page48) should help.On other occasions, local communities maysimply indicate the various uses that theywant to get from the tree or shrub theywould like to plant. Then, they may requirethat the extension agent gives them variousoptions of species they can grow. In thiscase, the extension agent can select suitablespecies from the table summarising uses inpart IV.In other situations, users may simply wantto find out more information on a knownspecies. In this case, they should search in thealphabetical species list in Part III.Another situation may be when an extensionworker wants to know which species coulddo well in an area. In this case, the first step isto identify the agroclimatic zone. If data onrainfall and altitude are available, it is easy toidentify the zone from the table on page 9. Ifthe altitude and rainfall figures are not known,observations on the natural vegetation, cropsand soil type can be matched with thosein the table. Once the agroclimatic zone isidentified, the list of suitable species for eachagroclimatic zone (page 38) can be identifiedby referring to the section on that lists speciesby agroclimatic zone in Part II.It is also good for the extension agents tolook around and try to see which species areactually growing and how well they are doing.If the countryside is bare, it is recommendedthat they study protected forests nearchurches and preserved areas in towns andvillages as they are normally rich in species.Once a relevant list of potential species has

been made and verified with the help of localpeople, the extension worker should learnmore about the species, for instance, theirvernacular names, uses, propagation andmanagement, by studying the informationprovided in Part III. This, together with theinformation on uses in Part IV, should givethe extension worker enough knowledge togain him or her the confidence of the localpeople.In high schools and teacher training colleges,the staff and students can use this book: To identify types of trees suitable fordifferent purposes in their environmentaleducation fieldwork. As a resource document to demonstratehow seed germination time could bereduced by using suitable seed treatmentmethods. As a resource book for information onhow to raise tree seedlings of differentspecies. As a reference book for teaching aboutthe environment in subjects such asgeography, biology, agriculture, andhome science.In the technical training of foresters andagriculturalists, the book can be usedas a resource in studies of forest botany,agroforestry, silviculture and related subjects.Similar use may be possible in selectedsubjects at university level.The species descriptionsVernacular namesThe English or scientific names of treesare usually not the names farmers andpastoralists use. Farmers’ choice of speciesis often expressed in their local (vernacular)language. Even though Amharic, Ethiopia’snational language is widely understood,there is no single language that is commonlyused by all the nation’s people. Therefore, itwas decided to include as many vernacularlanguages as possible, 24.Vernacular names are given in the Part IIand again in Part III, where each speciesis discussed in detail. Knowledge of localnames is essential for any person discussingtrees with the people of a given area. Thereare two limitations to the usefulness of thesenames. Firstly, there are no standard spellingsas these are based on phonetic interpretationsof the names. Secondly, names may varybecause of the existence of several dialects ofthe same language in different areas.We request any reader finding errors oromissions in vernacular names to send usthis information.The following abbreviations oflanguages have been used in the text:localAfargna (Af ), Agewgna (Ag), Agnuakgna(Agn), Amargna (Am), Borenagna (Br),Bertagna (Brt), English (Eng), Gamogna(Ga), Gimirigna (Gm), Gumuzgna (Gmz),Guragigna (Gr), Haderigna (Hd), Kefgna(Kf ), Kembatgna (Km), Konsogna (Ks),Mejengrgna (Mjr), Nuyergna (Nur),Oromugna (Or), Sahogna (Sh), Shinashgna(Shn), Sidamigna (Sd), Somaligna (Sm),Tigrigna (Tg), and Wolaytgna (Wt).Introduction

EcologyUnder the ecology heading, information isgiven on the occurrence of each species inthe various agroclimatic zones, the altituderange, niches in the landscape, soil preference,drought resistance and other importantecological factors.Ethiopia is extremely heterogeneousecologically. This diversity has been classifiedin a number of different ways by variousauthorities. However, we have used theagroclimatic zone classification indicated byAzene Bekele-Tesemma and Hakan Sjhölm(2005) and reproduced on page 9.Unlike the previous version of this book,this revised edition indicates trees andshrubs useful for all the currently known17 agroclimatic zones of Ethiopia. Thedistribution map of these agroclimatic zonesis included for ease of reference.The list of species under “Species byAgroclimatic Zones” is useful to extensionworkers who would like to identify the plantsthat are suitable for their specific areas.However, a species being listed under a givenagroclimatic zone does not necessarily meanthat it will grow well throughout that zone.Neither does it mean that it is limited to thatagroclimatic zone either. Therefore, one mustrefer to the more detailed information givenunder each species in Part III.UsesUses, both as products and services, havebeen listed for each species in the summary Useful Trees and Shrubs of Ethiopiatable in Part IV. It should be noted thatthe information reflects “reported” uses— mainly what the rural people claim touse these plants for as cited in first-handinformation or in literature.It was not possible to verify all such reportsand statements. Sometimes uses vary fromone community to another and from onearea to the next. Thus, it is always a goodidea to verify uses when discussing any ofthe listed plants with the local people. Insome instances, the reports originated fromoutside Ethiopia. Although it was not alwayspossible to verify the usage in Ethiopia, westill included the potential uses.It should also be noted that a single tree orshrub cannot be grown for all the potentialuses at the same time. On the contrary,management of a particular tree often aimsat optimising a specific product or service.On medicinal uses, it is worth mentioningthat herbal medicine requires skilledpractitioners. Therefore, although medicinaluses have been indicated, this does notmean that anyone should start using themwithout first consulting experienced andknowledgeable people.DescriptionWhen a farmer requires a tree for a particularuse, proper identification of that tree is of thegreatest importance. The descriptions in thismanual focus first on the general appearanceof the tree and then the bark, leaves,flowers and fruit. On the page oppositeeach description are line drawings that

complement the text. With a few exceptions,in this revised version, colour photos oftrees or their parts are included to makeidentification easier. The use of specializedbotanical terminology has been kept to aminimum. Before beginning to use the textto identify a plant, the reader should refer tothe illustrated glossary on page 48.and grafting are mentioned for fruittrees. Coppicing resembles propagationbut it is actually a management practice.Hence, coppicing ability is given under“management”. The same applies for use ofroot suckers.It must be noted that there can be greatvariation in tree size and shape as well as inmany other plant characteristics dependingon the site where it is found. Therefore,the text sometimes indicates the range ofvariation that can be expected. However,certain features define that plant speciesalone. Size and scale are also indicated inthe text, but in many illustrations of typicalmature trees, an adult person is drawn besidethe tree to indicate the scale.Most trees and shrubs are propagated usingseed. Information is given on the number ofseeds per kilogram, seed storage and simpletreatment before sowing (if propagation methods is available it has beenincluded. “Seedlings” indicates that a relevantpropagation method is raising seedlingsin some sort of nursery, either on‑farm orin a central or group nursery. “Wildings”indicates that it is known that farmerspropagate a certain species by collecting andtransplanting wildings to a desired placeon their farms, or that this is one means ofpropagating the plant.“Direct sowing at site” means that a speciescan be propagated by direct sowing of seedat the desired site, and “cuttings” meanspropagation by cuttings is recommended.Cuttings is a more common vegetativemultiplication technique, while buddingSeed informationStorage of seeds should generally be avoidedfor most species. In this manual, the storageperiods indicated are not precise. This isdeliberate because loss of seed viability isa gradual process, the speed dependingon many factors, but mainly the storageconditions. Hence, only approximateindications of acceptable storage periods canbe given. If seeds are to be stored for sometime, it is always best to keep them in a cool,dry and insect-free place. Properly driedseeds can be stored in air-tight containers,such as sealed bottles or tins.Information on seeds for many of the speciespreferred by farmers is unavailable. In thesecases, the user should find out the detailslocally.ManagementDifferent management techniques allow treegrowers to optimise tree and shrub productsor services. Management techniques mayalso be applied to reduce negative effects ofthe presence of trees and shrubs, such as theshading effect on adjacent crops.Introduction

The most common management practicesare pruning of roots and branches, coppicing,lopping and pollarding. Whenever a certainmanagement technique is known to befeasible for a certain species, it is indicated.Information on the growth rate is alsoprovided under this heading.All young trees grow fast and are morelikely to survive if properly weeded and,if necessary, thinned. Since such generalmanagement requirements apply to allspecies, they have not been indicated in thedetailed information on each species.RemarksAny other useful or interesting informationthat does not fall into the above categories isincluded under “remarks”.Agroclimatic zones considered1. DRY BEREHA Dry Hot-lowlands2. MOIST BEREHA Moist Hot-lowlands3. DRY KOLLADry Lowlands 4. MOIST KOLLA Moist Lowlands5. WET KOLLAWet Lowlands 6. DRY WEYNA DEGA Dry Mid-highlands7. MOIST WEYNA DEGA Moist Mid-highlands8. WET WEYNA DEGA Wet Mid-highlands9. DRY DEGADry Highlands 10. MOIST DEGA Moist Highlands11. WET DEGA Wet Highlands12. DRY WURCH Dry Frost zones13. MOIST WURCH Moist Frost zones Useful Trees and Shrubs of Ethiopia14. WET WURCH Wet Frost Zones15. DRY ALPINE WURCH Dry Alpina-frostZones16. MOIST ALPINE WURCH Moist Alpinafrost zones17. WET ALPINE WURCH Wet Alpina-frostzone

1500- 2300 m above sea 2300-3200 m above sea 3200-3700 m above 3700 asllevellevelsea level500 - 1500 m above sealevel 500 m above sea levelANNUALPPtDRY ALPINE WURCHMOIST ALPINE WURCHWET ALPINE WURCHA: None (dry and too cold)A: None (frost limit)A: None (too cold and too wet)C: NoneC: NoneC: NoneS: Black soils, degradedS: Dark black soils, shallowS: Dark black soils, deepT: lichens, Hypericum quartinianum, T: Hypericum quartinianum, Hypericum T: Grasses, Hypericum quartinianum,Hypericum roeperianumroeperianumHypericum roeperianumDRY WURCHMOIST WURCHA: Only barley, single cropping per A: Only barley, single cropping peryearyearC: Drainage noneC: Drainage rareS: Gray soils, degradedS: Black soils, degradedT: Erica speciesDRY DEGAT: Erica, HypericumMOIST DEGAA: Barley, wheat and pulsesA: Barley, wheat and pulsesC: Traditional moisture conservation C: Few traditional terracingmeasures eg.

This book is the second edition of an earlier book (1993), also led by Dr. Azene Bekele-Tesemma and his team. The main aim of this extensively revised book is to benefit the rural people of Ethiopia by encouraging them to grow more trees and shrubs for various reasons, including income generation,