Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Diversity, Regeneration, Structure and Uses of Some Woody Species in Borana Forests of Southern Ethiopia: The Case of Yaballo and Arero Forests Teshome Soromessa Center for Environmental Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box, 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Email: teshome.soromessa@aau.edu.et Abstract Studies on diversity, regeneration, structural and uses of some woody species in the Borana Forests, one of the Afromontane forests of Ethiopia, were made. In order to gather vegetation and environmental data from the study forest, a 900 m2 (30 m x 30 m) quadrat was laid following the homogeneity of vegetation. Investigation of the seedling density and regeneration of target species has been carried out using the same quadrat size, 30 m x 30 m. In each of these quadrats, the numbers of all seedlings that are up to the height of 150 cm were recorded. Individuals attaining 150 cm and above in height but less than 10 cm thick were considered as sapling and counted. Interview was conducted for the investigation of the various pressures exerted on different species. A total of 355 plant species belonging to 78 families and three divisions were recorded from the Borana Forests. Of these 2 were gymnosperms and 9 were pteridophyta, while the remaining were angiosperms. Structural and regeneration studies of some woody species indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. To provide a better management and monitoring as well as to maintain the biodiversity, cultural and economic values of the forest unsustainable utility of the forest would be controlled with the various conservation activities in place. Keywords: Arero Forest, Borana Forests, Endemism, Regeneration, Structure, Yaballo Forest INTRODUCTION In many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, natural forest vegetation cover is diminishing at an alarming rate. This, on its part, is resulting in an unprecedented loss of biological diversity. In addition, basic information on the extent, distribution, species diversity and the rate of deforestation in Ethiopia is very limited. According to Logan (1946), a wide spread deforestation had already devastated most of the forest areas and consequently, the remaining total extent of montane type of forest vegetation cover in the mid-1950s was not more than 16% (i.e. about 17 mill. ha) of the country’s total land area. Such a devastating trend of deforestation continued unchallenged over the five decades that followed, and in the event, the remaining natural high forest vegetation suffered an ever more drastic loss (EFAP, 1994) to the extent that only 2.3–2.7% of the country’s total land area (i.e. about 2.5mil. ha) was left with forest cover at the turn of the last century, though the land cover of the country is now on the increase. The need for fuel wood, arable land and grazing areas are the main causes of forest degradation, frequently leading to loss of forest cover and biodiversity, erosion, desertification and reduced water resources. Several studies focussing on forests or vegetation of specific regions in Ethiopia (Hedberg, 1957; Mooney, 1963; Gilbert, 1970; Coetzee, 1978; Friis et al., 1982; Zerihun, 1985; Sebsebe, 1988; Uhlig, 1988; Zerihun et al., 1989; Uhlig & Uhlig, 1990; Zerihun & Backeus, 1991; Haugen, 1992; Mesfin, 1992; Miehe & Miehe, 1994; Menassie and Masresha, 1996; Zerihun and Sileshi, 1998; Demel, 2000; Fayera and Demel, 2003; Kumelachew and Taye, 2003; Teshome and Sebsebe, 2002; Teshome et. al., 2004; ) have been carried out. Moreover, the vegetation resources of Ethiopia, including forests, woodlands and bush lands, have been studied by several scholars (Woldemichael, 1979; Logan, 1946; Pichi-Sermolli, 1957; von Breitenbach, 1961, 1963; Westphal, 1975; Chaffey, 1979; Tewolde, 1986, 1988; Friis, 1986, 1992; Friis and Mesfin, 1990; EFAP, 1994; Ensermu and Teshome, 2008; Teshome et al., 2011; Fekadu et al., 2011 & 2012; Adugna et. al., 2013; Teshome, 2013; Teshome and Ensermu, 2013a & 2013b; Teshome and Ensermu, 2014; Mohammed et. al., 2014) who have employed different methods of vegetation classification. Almost all the aforementioned studies have made a pencil note about the intractable loss of this natural resource. In Ethiopia at the moment, owing to the current climate change scenario, there has been growing realisation of the severity of resource degradation both by the public and the government. In line with the realisation of forest degradation, the government of Ethiopia disclosed its support for the development of National Conservation Strategy (NCS) under which the first sectorial development program for the Ethiopia Forestry Action Program was prepared (EFAP, 1994). Despite, such commitment and awareness, not enough is being done to avert the situation, and there remains a wide gap at government level between problem awareness and the action to combat the problem. It is therefore, imperative and urgent to study the biodiversity, ecological status and regeneration potentials of the various forests in general and that of Borana in particular so as to device management systems thereby mitigating this alarming situation. In view of the aforementioned facts, the present study aims at assessing the status, 9 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org regeneration and diversity of woody species in Borana Forests of southern Ethiopia. Location of the study area The Borana Forests are found in the present Guji and Borana Zones of Oromia Regional State (see Fig. 1). The specific forest site is a Regional Forest Priority Area called Yaballo-Arero Forest Priority Area. These forests are within what is called the Somalia-Masai Regional Centre of Endemism of White (1983). Borana Forests are located on the southern parts of the country occupying certain patches in Yaballo and Arero areas ranging from 1300 -2250 m a.s.l. Most of these forest areas lie between 1400 to 2200 m a.s.l. The native people in the forested areas are the Oromos with some settlers residing in the towns adjacent to the forests. According to Daniel Gammachu (1977), the southern parts of the country belong to Type II rainfall regime that experience two rainy seasons characterised as bimodal pattern. Yaballo belong to this class having the highest rain in April and October. Fig. 1 Location of the study area With regard to soil, a generalised account on the Nature and Management of Ethiopian Soils was in Mesfin (1998), with particular references to their genesis, classification, distribution and sound management aimed at their sustainable utilisation. Others like Logan (1946), Murphy (1958), Westphal (1975), and EMA (1988) also made descriptions and surveys of Ethiopian soils. Based on that, in Sidamo-Borana psammitic schists and hardened sandstone are predominant in the Basement complexes between the Magado Forest and Mega, with the large exposures of such rocks at Yaballo and Gara Fulli. From 2 km east of Dawa River, east wards to the Mesozoic escarpment at Nagelle, isoclinally folded rocks are predominantly formed of chlorite schist, mica schist, concretionary limestone and phyllite (Mohr, 1971). Furthermore, Mohr (1971) reported the occurrences of carbonatite north of Yaballo and gneiss north of Nagelle. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sampling Design Initially, the survey crew made reconnaissance survey of the separate forests so as to obtain an impression and visual description of the general vegetation physiognomy and hypothesize vegetation-environment relationships such as altitude, slope and aspect. Discussion germane to forest resources was conducted with the local people (particularly the beneficiaries of the forests) and responsible personnel from the representatives of Farm-Africa, SOS-Sahel in the respective study areas. Both the staff of Farm-Africa and SOS-Sahel officials had already delineated their respective forests into different Forest patches which made the sampling easier. In Yaballo Forest the visited forest patches were Yubdo Qaqerramso Forest Block, Gombo Guddo Forest Block and Nyaro Forest Block, while in Arero Guto Hirmaye, Oblo-Cafa, Bobella-Guto and Haro Dimtu-Mata Gafarsa were visitied. Vegetation and Environmental Data In order to gather vegetation and environmental data from the study forests, a 900 m2 (30 m x 30 m) quadrat was laid following the homogeneity of vegetation. Sample plots were selected through preferential means in such a 10 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org way that the various conditions encountered represented in the study forest. Woody species were counted. Additional tree and shrub species within 10-m distance from the plot boundaries were recorded as present. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and height of all woody species that are above 150 cm high and more than 10 cm thick were recorded. DBH was measured using a meter tape and height of individuals was measured using Clinometer. Investigation of the seedling density and regeneration of target species has been carried out using the same quadrat size, 30 m x 30 m. Partitions were made within the big quadrat so as to make seedling counts easier. In each of these quadrats, the numbers of all seedlings that are up to the height of 150 cm were recorded. Individuals attaining 150 cm and above in height but less than 10 cm thick were considered as sapling and counted. Interview was conducted for the investigation of the various pressures exerted on different species. The local people particularly the elders who are more likely to know plant vernacular names and their detailed uses were interviewed. The information on vernacular names and the various uses of species were gathered from the informants via repeated field interviews as described in Maundu (1995); Kamatenesi-Mugisha et al. (2002) and Kakudidi et al. (2002). Plant specimens were identified at the National Herbarium and in the field. All voucher specimens that were in flowering and/or fruiting stages were brought to the National Herbarium of Addis Ababa University and deposited. Nomenclature of plant taxa follows Hedberg and Edwards (1989, 1995) and Edwards et al. (1995, 1997 and 2000). Data Analysis The vegetation and environmental data gathered from the field were fed into a computer for the subsequent analysis of the data. The vertical structure of the forests were described following the International Union for Forestry Research Organisation (IUFRO) classification scheme (Lamprecht, 1989) that categorise the vertical structure as upper, middle and lower storeys. The population structures of some selected species were analysed for the interpretation of the pattern of population dynamics in the forest. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Biodiversity (Phytodiversity) of the Study Forests Analysis of the diversity of plant species occurring in Borana Forests indicated that there are a total of 355 species belonging to 78 families. Of these diverse species only two Gymnosperm species were recorded, namely the elegant Juniperus procera and Podocarpus falcatus. The remaining 9 species belong to pteridophyta and the other 345 species belong to the angiosperms as indicated in Figure 2 below. Number of individuals Borana 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Height class Fig. 2 Proportions of angiosperm, gymnosperms and pteridophytes in Borana Forests. As indicated above the total families of plants recorded from Borana Forests make up 78 all together. Of these families, family Fabaceae is the most dominant family and is represented by 42 species making 11.8 % of the total species in the list. The second dominant is Asteraceae, which is represented by 27 species. Families Poaceae and Rubiaceae are represented by 19 species each. A complete list of the species recorded from Borana Forests is found in Appendix 1. Floristic The vegetation in Borana belongs to the Dry-single dominant Afromontane Forest type. Juniper is, for example, found in all the Forest blocks with different degrees of abundance, threat and regeneration potentials. In Yubdo Qaqeramso Forest Block (Yaballo Forest), the following species could be encountered: Croton macrostachyus, Calpurnea aurea, Psydrax schimperiana, Acacia tortilis, A. seyal, A. senegal, Combretum molle, Podocarpus 11 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org falcatus, Olea europaea, Teclea simplicifolia, Gardenia ternifolia, Faurea speciosa, Olinia rochetiana, Maytenus arbutifolia, Schrebera alata, Osyris quadripartita, Myrsine africana, Ficus vasta, Dichrostachys cinerea, Bersama abyssinica, Phoenix reclinata, Justicia heterocarpa, Scadoxus multiflorus, Hypoestes forsskaolii, Hyparrhenia hirta are among others. At 2200 m above sea level around Dhaga Koba, Tarchonanthus camphoratus seems to dominate as a shrub and with some sedge in the field layer. Gombo Guddo Forest block has more or less similar species composition but with better land cover when compared to Yubdo Qaqeramso and Nyaro blocks. One interesting observation in Gombo Guddo block was that, the east facing sample plots showed the predominance of the forest by Juniperus procera in the upper layer and the west facing sampling stands showed the predominance of Podocarpus falcatus in the upper layer of the forest. Such aspect-based predominance might be due to the direction of the in coming rain. Other species in Gombo Guddo block include the widely distributed Scolopia theifolia, Teclea simplicifolia, Commiphora africana, Olea europaea, Psydrax schimperiana, Euclea divinorum, Acokanthera schimperi, Rhus natalensis, Nuxia congesta, Myrsine africana, Olyra latifolia, Pentas lanceolata, Achyranthus aspera, Scadoxus multiflorus, Solanum incanum, Commelina africana, Hypoestes forsskaolii and Commelina latifolia.In Nyaro Forest block, Juniper is still the species seen on the upper layer. However, Nyaro block is the block closer to Yaballo town (about 7 km) that experienced intense extraction of Juniperus procera, particularly for the purposes of timber, construction and hive making. Other species in this block includes Scherebera alata, Scolopia theifolia, Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Psydrax schimperiana, Euclea divinorum, Dodonea angustifolia, Rhus vulgaris, Olea europaea, Acacia brevispica, Myrsine africana, Teclea simplicifolia, Acokanthera schimperi, Calpurnea aurea, Achyranthes aspera, Ruttya fruticosa, Olyra latifolia, Hypoestes forsskaolii and Commelina africana are among others. Of all the forests in Borana, the Arero Forest is the forest in a better land cover with the exception of one of its patches, Haro-Dimtu Meta Gefersa. This patch is closer to the Arero town and experienced intense exploitation similar to Nyaro block of Yaballo Forest. This vividly entails that more degradation is prevalent in patches closer to towns that are accessible to dwellers. In Guto and Guto Hirmaye Forest Block (Arero Forest), the floristic is almost similar. Juniperus procera and Podocarpus falcatus always occupy the upper layer in both blocks. Some other species of these blocks include Teclea simplicifolia, Olea europaea, O. capensis, Scolopia theifolia, Psydrax schimperiana, Prunus africana, Olinia rochetiana, Acokanthera schimperi, Canthium lactescens, C. pseudosetiflorum, Calpurnea aurea, Scherebera alata, Ficus vasta, F. thonningii, Acacia brevispica, Zanthoxylum usambarense, Commiphora terebinthina, Cluttia abyssinica, Olyra latifolia, Asparagus africana, Commelina africana, Hypoestes forsskaolii, Galium spurium and Pentas lanceolata. On the other hand, in Haro-Dimtu Meta Gefersa Forest block Juniper still occupy the top layer. Some other species of this forest block include Olea europaea, Acokanthera schimperi, Rhus natalensis, Acacia brevispica, Osyris quadripartita, Combretum molle, Acacia tortilis, Dichrostachys cinerea, Scherebera alata, Pappea capensis, Steganotaenia araliacea, Commiphora terebinthina, C. africana, Lannea rivae, Terminalia brownii, Ozoroa insignis, Psydrax schimperiana, Grewia bicolor, Ocimum urticifolium, Justicia diclipteroides, J. heterocarpa and Barleria eranthemoides having some characteristic species of Combretum-Terminalia woodland. Vertical Structure The vertical structure of the woody species occurring in the Borana Forests was analyzed using the IUFRO classification scheme as cited in (Lamprecht, 1989). The scheme classifies the storey into upper, where the tree height is greater than 2/3 of the top height; middle, where the tree height is in between 1/3 and 2/3 of the top height and the lower storey where the tree height is less than 1/3 of the top height. The top height here is considered as 45 m. In Borana Forests, the upper storey of the forests is either Juniperus or Podocarpus or predominated by both emergent species. In most of these forests, the middle storey is dominated by species like Olea europaea, O. capensis, Scolopia theifolia and Allophylus abyssinicus. The lower storey of the forests is largely composed of small trees and shrubs such as Myrsine africana, Teclea nobilis and Bersama abyssinica. Density Density of a given species is expressed as number of stems per hectare. With regards to density, the highest density of species in Borana Forests was recorded for Scolopia theifolia (197.2 individuals per hectare) followed by Haplocoelum foliolosum (142.8 individuals per hectare) and Teclea simplicifolia (71.6 individuals per hectare). The least density was recorded for species like Ficus thonningii and F. vasta both accounting less than an individual per hectare. DBH and Height Profile Summary of information on the frequency distribution of individuals in the various diameter and height classes of Borana Forests is presented in Figures 3 and 4 respectively. It can be seen from these Figures that with an increase in the DBH class size there is a decrease in the number of individuals. The highest proportion of 12 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org individuals in the second DBH class has been contributed by Scolopia theifolia. As seen from these Figures, about 89% of the number of individuals was contributed by DBH classes 1, 2, and 3. This shows that the individuals belonging to this proportion are between 10-80 cm thick in size. More over, the data suggested that the forest is dominated by small sized individuals. Number of species used 25 20 15 10 5 Cultural values Use categories Hive hanging Bee forage Medicinal Charcoal Firewood Farm implemets Construction Timber 0 Fig. 3 DBH classes versus number of individuals in Borana Forests. Legend: 1=10-20 cm, 2=20.1-50 cm, 3=50.1-80 cm, 4=80.1-110 cm, 5=110.1-140 cm, 6= > 140 cm. On the other hand, the frequency distribution of height classes of trees and shrubs in Borana Forests revealed a trend where the distribution of individuals decreased from the small height classes to the bigger height classes (see Fig. 4). Borana Number of individuals 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Height class 8 9 10 Fig. 4 Height classes versus number of individuals in Borana Forests. Legend: 1=1.5-6 m, 2=6.1-9 m, 3=9.1-12 m, 4=12.1-15 m, 5=15.1-18 m, 6=18.1-21 m, 7=21.1-24 m, 8=24.1-27 m, 9=27.1-30 m, 10= > 30m. Most trees and shrubs of the Borana Forests belong to lower height classes. As seen from the Figure, about 96.5% of the individuals investigated for height are below 18 m, while the remaining 3.5% are above 18 m tall. Population Structure of Some Species The population structure of 37 trees and shrub species occurring in Borana Forests was investigated. The population structure of these species revealed four general patterns. The first pattern (Fig. 5a) is formed with a species entailing a more or less even frequency distribution in the respective DBH classes. Scherebera alata belongs to this group. This pattern is similar to the first pattern identified in Borana Forests and the pattern could be explained in similar interpretation thereof. 13 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Fig. 5 a-e Five representative patterns of woody species over the DBH classes in Borana Forests. The second pattern (Fig. 5b) is formed by species with the highest frequencies in the lower DBH classes. Prunus africana, Pavetta abyssinica, Oncoba routledgeii, Maytenus arbutifolia and Rhus natalensis belong to this pattern. The third pattern (Fig. 5 c) is formed by Juniperus procera where more individuals are found in the higher DBH classes. In a better land cover as in Arero Forest where disturbances have been relatively low, younger Juniperus procera individuals were not encountered. It seems likely that this particular species require a cleared space or an open canopy to reproduce and recruit it self in the forest. Furthermore, the older mother trees might not be reproductively active. The fourth pattern (Fig. 5d) is formed where the frequencies of individuals of a species is lower in the lowest DBH class, followed by increment of individuals in subsequent classes and then decreases gradually towards the higher classes. Psydrax schimperiana and Apodytes dimidiata belong to this pattern. The last pattern (Fig. 5e) is formed by individuals of a species represented in certain classes and absent in others. Besides Ficus vasta, F. thonningii and Fagaropsis hildebrandtii belong to such pattern. 14 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Regeneration Status of Some Woody Species The regeneration status of thirty-seven woody species occurring in Borana Forests was analyzed. From the information in the figure below, the seedling, sapling and tree/shrub status of some selected species was presented in as Figure 6. As seen from the result some species were not represented in the seedling stage. These include Euclea divinorum, Teclea nobilis, Ficus thonningii, F. vasta, Acacia brevispica, Canthium lactescens, Combretum collinum, Rhus natalensis, Fagaropsis hildebrandtii and Olinia rochetiana. Others like Podocarpus falcatus and Oncoba routledgei were not represented by the sapling stage. Different patterns of seedling, sapling and tree/shrub distribution could be exhibited by different species depending on several factors among others, the ability of a species to reproduce in a forest and the extent of pressure on that particular species that could threaten it. With different parameters in mind some species are highly represented by their seedlings, while others take the contrary position. The highest number of seedling was recorded for Haplocoelum foliolosum followed by Scolopia theifolia. However, the highest number of seedling recorded for Haplocoelum foliolosum was not a general trend in the forest; rather it was a record from certain blocks only. The highest number of sapling was recorded for Scolopia theifolia followed by Teclea simplicifolia. The highest tree/shrub was recorded again for Scolopia theifolia followed by Teclea simplicifolia. This may suggest that Scolopia theifolia is a species that perform well under the existing conditions. Fig. 6 Seedlings, saplings and tree/shrub distribution of some selected species occurring in Borana Forests. Use Values of Some Selected Species An interview on the uses of some major plant species was made so as to deduce the extent of pressure on a 15 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Number of species used particular species. The participants have pointed out the major uses of wood products and non-wood products extracted from the forest. The use of plants by the local people can be grouped into a number of non-restrictive categories. For the purposes of simplicity, the following use categories of the plants were considered here: timber, construction, farm implements, firewood, charcoal, spices, medicinal, bee forage, cultural values and for hive hanging purposes. Of the 39 species included in the interview, 30 species are used for firewood, 27 species for bee keeping purposes, 20 species for construction, 11 species for cultural purposes, 13 species for farm implements, 12 species for charcoal production and 12 species are used for medicinal purposes (see Figure 7). It is important to note here that many species could serve different purposes and seem to be over exploited. 25 20 15 10 5 Cultural values Hive hanging Bee forage Medicinal Charcoal Firewood Farm implemets Construction Timber 0 Use categories Fig. 7 Use categories and the number of species used in Borana Forests Endemism There are a number of flowering plant species in the forests investigated that are endemic to one of the forests. Information on the endemic flowering plant species of Ethiopia and the levels of threat to them has been published in Ensermu et al. (1992), and Vivero et al. (2005). Based on the published Flora volumes and the lists of species in the three forests, the endemic species and the levels of threat on each taxon are given in Table 1, below. Table 1 Endemic species occurring in Borana Forests No. Scientific name 1 Aloe yavellana 2 Asystasia ammophila 3 Bidens zavattari 4 Ceropegia convolvuloides 5 Conyza abyssinica 6 Conyza megaensis 7 Cyphostemma niveum 8 Dombeya aethiopica 9 Gladiolus negeliensis 10 Justicia diclipteroides subsp. megaensis 11 Leucas abyssinica 12 Melhania beguinotii 13 Melhania zavattari 14 Thunbergia mauginii 15 Tinnea somalensis Status EN VU EN NT LC CR LC LC CR CR LC EN VU EN LC Family Aloaceae Acanthaceae Asteraceae Ascepiadaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Vitaceae Sterculiaceae Iridaceae Acanthaceae Lamiaceae Sterculiaceae Sterculiaceae Acanthaceae Lamiaceae Table 1 show that 15 endemic species have been recorded from Borana Forests. Based on the IUCN Criteria of level of threat, 3 species are critically endangered (CR), 4 are endangered (EN) and 2 species have been 16 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org evaluated as vulnerable (VU). The three critically endangered taxa are restricted to the most threatened forests calling utmost attention for conservation of these species. The remaining one species has been under near threatened (NT) while five species were found to be categorized as species of least concern (LC). Status of Some Selected Species Some woody species of the Borana Forests are used for many purposes. Moreover, these species are not represented (if represented by few individual) by the various stages of development. It is then pretty clear that such species that have been over utilized and lack replacement would eventually disappear from the forest. For example, Ficus vasta and Combretum collinum (see Table 2) are not represented by either seedling or sapling stages, showing that these species are those that need immediate conservation measures. Contrary to this fact, some species though over utilized are represented by better individuals (e.g., Scolopia theifolia) at different stages. Species that are used for various purposes and yet bearing pattern I type of population structure are those that have good reproduction and recruitment. Such species are those that don’t need urgent conservation attention. Table 2 Status of some selected species of the Borana Forests. Note that the structure of these species is the one discussed under population structure previously. Species SE SA T/Sh Number of uses Acacia brevispica 1 4 Acocanthera schimperi 310 22 89 4 Canthium lactescence 4 1 Combretum collinum 1 1 Dodonea angustifolia 62 4 12 5 Eculea divinorum 27 6 Juniperus procera 46 50 129 6 Maerua triphylla 3 1 Olea capensis 1 101 2 Olea europea 162 91 150 5 Podocarpus falcatus 25 23 6 Psydrax schimperiana 205 130 136 5 Scherebera alata 13 10 10 1 Scolopia theifolia 933 457 385 3 Strychnos mitis 157 56 141 4 Teclea simplicifolia 393 251 312 4 Trimeria grandifolia 7 3 Zanthoxylum usambarense 11 3 4 2 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The study has revealed that the forests in Borana are at different levels of status and utilisation. They also have different combinations of factors – both climatic and socio-economic factors. However, combinations of the different factors are forcing the inhabitants of all the forests to move into the forest areas and encroachments on the forests come from both the inhabitants and those living in nearby urban centres. In the Borana Forests, there are also differences in the health status of the forests at Yaballo and Arero. Arero forest is at a better level of utilisation and shows a better healthy status as compared to that of Yaballo. However, there are also tangible differences even among forest blocks and forest patches, within the same forest area. For example, a healthy situation has been observed in Gombo Gudo Forest Block where the highest number of woody and herbaceous plant species was recorded. Nyaro forest block is the closest block to Yaballo town and it shows the least healthy situation where the diversity of both woody and herbaceous flora has been under sever situation. The dominant tree species, Juniperus procera has been seriously affected; the wood being extracted for firewood and construction and the bark for the construction of hats and beehives. Timber extraction has also affected the survival of the species throughout Yaballo Forest, with Nyaro forest block the most affected one in the area. In Arero Forest, except for the highly affected Mata Gefersa Forest Block, which is situated close to Arero town, the other forest blocks have a better relatively healthy status. However, felling of mature Juniperus procera trees just for the collection of wild honey and peeling off the bark for the construction of beehives and hats have been observed. In general the following points could be taken into consideration. Yaballo Forest Enrichment plantation of species like Juniperus procera, Euphorbia adjurana, Olea europaea in Nyaro and Yudbo Qaqerramso (also Podocarpus falcatus for this block), 17 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Enhance controlled Eucalyptus plantation around Yaballo town for reducing pressure on the forest species, particularly Juniperus procera that is used for construction and fuelwood heavily, Rotational grazing pattern that is practised in Arero and Gombo Guddo will also be adopted, Assist in the propagation and the distribution of seedlings of plants whose uses are already wide spread in the area and which are threatened, e.g. Juniperus procera, Podocarpus falcatus, Euphorbia adjurana, Olea capensis etc. Teach modern animal husbandry so as to reduce the number of livestock that pose pressure on the forest resources and introduce modern beehives in the area. Arero Forest • Although there are relatively better concentrations of Juniperus procera in Arero forest, there is a strong pressure on the existing individuals from felling for wild honey collection, peeling barks for hives and hat construction. Thus peeling of barks for such purposes should be avoided as much as possible, • Remove dead-standing trees of Juniperus procera and (other tree species) and other canopy disliking species, • Assist in the propagation and the distribution of seedlings of plants whose uses are already wide spread in the area and which are threatened, e.g. Juniperus procera, Podocarpus falcatus, Prunus africana, Olea capensis, etc. • In Meta Gefersa, introduce enrichment plantation of Juniperus procera and other important indigenous trees like Olea europaea and also introduce controlled Eucalyptus plantation for reducing pressure on the remnant indigenous trees and for income generation, • Introduce modern beehives, • Teach modern animal husbandry and encourage rotational grazing. REFERENCES Adugna Feyissa, Teshome Soromessa and Mekuria Argaw (2013). Forest Carbon Stocks and Variations along Altitudinal Gradients in Egdu Forest: Implications of Managing Forests for Climate Change Mitigation. STAR: Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 2(4): 40-46. Chaffey, D.R. (1979). Southwest Ethiopia Forest Inventory Project, A Reconnaissance Inventory of Forest in Southwest Ethiopia. Land Resources Development Centre, Tolworth Tower Surbition Survey, England. Coetzee, J.A. (1978). Phytogeogarphical aspects of the montane forests of the chain of mountains on the eastern side of Africa. Erdwiss Forsch. 11: 482-494. Daniel Gamachu. (1977). Aspects of Climate and Water Budget in Ethiopia Addis Ababa University Press, Addis Ababa. Demel Tekatay. (2000). Vegetation Types and Forest Fire Management in Ethiopia. In: MOA & GTZ (eds.) Proceedings of the Round Table Conference on Integrated Forest Fire Management in Ethiopia. Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) & Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), Addis Ababa. Pp 1-35. EFAP. (1994). Ethiopian Forestry Action Program (EFAP). EFAP, Addis Ababa. EMA. (1988). National atlas of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Mapping Authority, Addis Ababa. Ensermu Kelbessa, Sebsebe Demissew, Zerihun Woldu and Edwards S. (1992). Some threatened endemic plants of Ethiopia. In: Botany 2000 (Edwards, S. & Zemede Asfaw, eds.): East and Central Africa. NAPERICA Monograph Series No. 2: 35-55. Ensermu Kelbessa and Teshome Soromessa. (2008). Interfaces of Regeneration, structure, diversity and uses of some plant species in Bonga Forest: A reservoir for wild coffee gene pool. SINET: Ethiop. J. Sci. 31(2): 121-134. Fekadu Gurmessa, Teshome Soromessa and Ensermu Kelbessa (2011). Florisitc Composition and Community analysis of Komto Afromontane Moist Forest of East Wellega, West Ethiopia. STAR: Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 2(2): 58-69. Fekadu Gurmessa, Teshome Soromessa and Ensermu Kelbessa (2012). Structure and Regeneration status of Komto Afromontane Moist forest, East Wellega Zone, West Ethiopia. Journal of Forestry Research, 23 (2): 205-216. Friis, I. (1986). The forest Vegetation of Ethiopia. Acta Univ. Ups. Symb. Bot. Ups XXVI: 31-47. Friis, I. (1992). Forest and Forest Trees of Northeast Tropical Africa. Kew Bull. Add. Ser. 15: 1-396. Friis, I. and Mesfin Tadesse. (1990). The evergreen forests of tropical Northeast Africa. Mitt. Inst.Allg.Bot. Hamburg. 23a: 249-263. Friis, I., Rasmussen, F.N. and Vollesen, K. (1982). Studies in the flora and vegetation of Southwest Ethiopia. Opera Botanica 63: 8-70. 18 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Gilbert, E.F. (1970). Mount Wachacha: A botanical Commentary. Walia 2: 3-12. Haugen, T. (1992). Woody vegetation of Borana, South Ethiopia, and a study on the mainvegetation types of the area. SINET: Ethiopi. J. Sci. 15: 117-130. Hedberg, O. (1957). Afroalpine vascular plants, a taxonomic revision. Symbolae Botanicae Upsaliensis 15 (1): 1-411. Kakudidi, E.K., Bukenya-Ziraba, R. and J.M. Kasenene. (2000). The medicinal plants in and around Kibale National Parks in western Uganda.-Lidia 5: 109-124. Kamatenesi-Mugisha, M., Hoft, R. and R. Bukenya-Ziraba. (2000). Ethnobotanical use of Rytgynia (nyakibazi) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, SW Uganda. –Lidia 5: 97- 108. Lamprecht, H. (1986). Silviculture in Tropics. Tropical Forest Ecosystems and their tree species-possibilities and methods for their long-term utilization. TZ-Verlagsgesellschaft GmbH, Rossdort, Germany. Logan, W.E.M. (1946). An introduction to the forests of central and southern Ethiopia. Imp. For. Inst. Paper 24: 1-58. Maundu, P.M. (1995). Methodology of collecting and sharing indigenous knowledge: Case study. Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor 3:3-5. Miehe, G. and Miehe, S. (1994). Ericaceous Forests and Heath lands in the BaleMountains of South Ethiopia: Ecology and man’s Impact. Stiftung Walderhaltung in Africa, Hamburg. Mesfin Abebe. (1998). Nature and Management of Ethiopian Soils. Alemaya University of Agriculture. Ethiopia. Mesfin Tadesse. (1992). A survey of the evergreen forests of Ethiopia. NAPRECAMonograph Series No. 2: 118. Mohammed Gedefaw, Teshome Soromessa and Satishkumar Belliethathan (2014). Forest Carbon Stocks in Woody Plants of Tara Gedam Forest: Implication for Climate Change Mitigation. STAR: Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 3(1): 101-107. Mohr, P.A. (1971). The Geology of Ethiopia. University College of Addis Ababa, Central Printing Press, Addis Ababa. Mooney, H.F. (1963). An account of two journeys to the Arena Mountains in Bale province (Southeast Ethiopia), 1958 and 1959-1960. Proc. Linn. Soci. 172: 127-147. Murphy, H.P. (1958). The Fertility Status of some Soils of Ethiopia. College of Agriculture, Jimma. Pichi-Sermolli, R.E.G. (1957). Una carta geobotanica dell’ Africa Orientale (Eritrea, Etiopia, Somalia). Webbia 13: 15-132. Sebsebe Demissew. (1988). The Floristic composition of the Menagesha State Forest and the Need to Conserve Such Forest in Ethiopia. Mount. Res. Devt. 8: 243-247. Ter Braak, F. (1995). Ordination. In: Jongman, G., ter Braak, F. & van Tongeren, R. (eds.): Data analysis in community and landscape ecology. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge 91-173. Teshome Soromessa and Sebsebe Demissew. (2002). Some uses of plants by the Benna, Tsemay and Zeyise people, southern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Natural Resources 4 (1): 107-122. Teshome Soromessa, Demel Teketay and Sebsebe Demissew (2004). Ecological study of the vegetation in Gamo Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia. Tropical Ecology 45: 209-221. Teshome Soromessa, Ensermu Kelbessa, Afework Bekele, Getinet Masresha, Desalegn Ejigu, Melese Yihune & Fisseha Itanna (2011). Current Status and Significance of Faunal and Floral Diversity of the Simien Mountains, Northern Ethiopia. A poster presented on December 30-31, 2011 during the conference on Thematic Research Organized by Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Teshome Soromessa (2013). Ecological Phytogeography: A Case Study of Commiphora Species: STAR: Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 2(3): 93-104. Teshome Soromessa and Ensermu Kelbessa (2013a). Diversity, Ecology and Regeneration Studies of Bonga, Borana and Chilimo Forests of Ethiopia. Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken, Germany, Pp 140, ISBN 978-3-659-41509-8. Teshome Soromessa and Ensermu Kelbessa (2013b). Diversity and Endemicity of Chilimo Forest, Central Ethiopia. Bioscience Discovery, 4(1): 1-4. Teshome Soromessa and Ensermu Kelbessa (2014). Interplay of regeneration, structure and uses of some woody species in Chilimo Forest, Central Ethiopia. STAR: Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 3(1): 90-100. Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher. (1986). Ethiopian vegetation – past, present and future. SINET: Ethiop. J. Sci. 9: 1-13. Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher. (1988). Vegetation and environment of the mountains of Ethiopia: implications for utilisation and conservation. Mount. Res. Dev. 8: 211-216. Uhlig, S.K. (1988). Mountain forests and upper tree limit on the south-eastern plateau of Ethiopia. Mount. Res. Dev. 8: 227-234. 19 Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Uhlig, S.K. and Uhlig, K. (1990). The floristic composition of a natural montane forest in south-eastern Ethiopia. Feddes Repert. 101: 227-234. Vivero, J.L., Ensermu Kelbessa and Sebsebe Demissew (2005). The Red list of Endemic Trees and Shrubs of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Fauna and Flora International, Cambridge, UK, 23 Pp. von Breitenbach, G. (1961). Forests and woodlands of Ethiopia, a geobotanical contribution to the knowledge of the principal plant communities of Ethiopia, with special regard to forestry. Ethiop. For. Rev. 1: 5-16. von Breitenbach, G. (1963). Indigenous Trees of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Forestry Association, Addis Ababa. Westphal, E. (1975). Agricultural Systems in Ethiopia. Centre for Agricultural Publishing and Documentation, Wageningen. White, F. (1983). The vegetation of Africa. A Descriptive Memoir to accompany the UNESCO/AETFAT/UNSO vegetation map of Africa. Nat. Resour. Res. (Paris) 20: 1-356. Woldemichael Kelecha. (1979). Compiled Reports on Ethiopian Forest, Original by Russ, G. W. (1945). Zerihun Woldu. (1985). Variation in Grassland Vegetation on the Central Plateau of Shewa, Ethiopia,in Relation to Edaphic factors and Grazing Conditions. Doctorla Thesis, Uppsala University, Uppsala. Zerihun Woldu and Backeus, I. (1991). The Shrubland Vegetation in Western Shewa, Ethiopia and its Possible Recovery. J. Veg. Sci. 2: 173-180. Zerihun Woldu, Feoli, E. and Lisanework Nigatu. (1989). Partitioning an elevation gradient of vegetation from south-eastern Ethiopia by probability methods. Vegetation 18:189- 198. Zerihun Woldu and Sileshi Nemomissa (1998). Vegetation change in the central Borana Plateau region. Coenoses 13 (3): 137-148. Appendix 1: A complete list of species collected from Borana Forests Scientific name Abutilon figarianum Webb Acacia albida Del. Acacia brevispica Harms Acacia drepanolobium Harms ex Sjostedt Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth. Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. Acacia seyal Del. Acacia sieberiana DC. Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne Acalypha volkensii Pax Achyranthes aspera L. Acokanthera schimperi (A.DC.) Schweinf. Actiniopteris dimorpha Pichi-Serm. Adiantum incisum Forssk. Adiantum pedatum L. Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. Ageratum conyzoides L. Albuca abyssinica Jacq. Aloe yavellana Reynolds Amaranthus caudatus L. Amarathus hybridus L. Amorphophallus gomboczianus Pichi-Serm. Anagallis arvensis L. Androcymbium striatum Hochst. ex A.Rich. Aneilema hockii De Wild. Aneilema johnstonii K. Schum. Anthospermum herbaceum L.f. Aristida adscensionis L. Asparagus africanus Lam. Asparagus racemosa Willd. Aspilia mossambicensis (Oliv.) Wild Asplenium aethiopicum (Burm.f.) Bech. Asplenium theciferum (Knuth) Mett. Asystasia ammophila Ensermu Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. Barleria eranthemoides R.Br. ex C.B. Clarke Afaan Oromoo Ambo Hammarreessa Fulleessa Sabansa Burquqqee Bokossaa Waaccuu Dhaddacha Qaraaruu Hargeessa Seerricha Sariitii Sariitii Adaa Arabdoo Teessa Baddana Qilxiphee/Mogoree 20 Family Malvaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Euphorbiaceae Amaranthaceae Apocynaceae Adiantaceae Adiantaceae Adiantaceae Amaranthaceae Asteraceae Hyacinthaceae Aloaceae Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae Araceae Primulaceae Colchicaceae Commelinaceae Commelinaceae Rubiaceae Poaceae Asparagaceae Asparagaceae Asteraceae Aspleniaceae Aspleniaceae Acanthaceae Balanitaceae Acanthaceae Habit Shrub Tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Tree Shrub Herb Shrub/tree Fern Fern Fern Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Grass Climber Shrub Shrub Fern Fern Herb Tree Shrub Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 Scientific name Barleria hildebrandtiiS. Moore Barleria spinisepala E.A. Bruce Bersama abyssinica Fresen. Bidens pilosa L. Bidens zavattari Cuf. Blepharis maderspatensis (L.) Roth Bulbine abyssinica A.Rich. Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. Canthium lactescensHiern Capparis tomentosaLam. Carissa spinarum L. Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. Caucanthus auriculatus (Radlk.) Niedenzu Caylusea abyssinica (Fresen.) Ficsh. & Mey. Centrus ciliaris L. Ceropegia convolvuloides A.Rich. Ceropegia cufodontis Chiov. Chaemacrista hildebrandtii Vatke Chascanum gillettii Mold. Chaschanum hildebrandtii (Vatke) Gillett Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Chenopodium schraderianum Schult. Cissus petiolata Hook.f. Cleome gynandra L. Cleome hirta (Kl.) Oliv. Cleome monophylla L. Cleome usambarica Pax Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke Clutia abyssinica jaub. & Spach. Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Combretum collinum Fresen. Combretum molle R.Br. ex G. Don Commelina africana L. Commelina benghalensis L. Commelina foliacea Chiov. Commelina latifoliaHochst. ex A.Rich. Commelina petersiiHassk. Commelina reptans Brenan Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. Commiphora habessinica (Berg) Engl. Commiphora serrulata Engl. Commiphora terebinthinaVollesen Conyza abyssinica Sch. Bip. ex A. Rich. Conyza aegyptiaca (L.) Ait. Conyza hochstetteri SCh. Bip. Conyza megaensis F.G. Davies Conyza pedunculata (Oliv.) H. Wild Conyza pyrrhopappa Sch. Bip. ex A. Rich. Conyza schimperi Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. Conyza stricta Willd. Cordia africana Lam. Cordia gharaf (Forssk.) Aschers. Crabbea velutina S. Moore Crassula alsinoides (Hook.f.) Engl. Crassula schimperi Fisch. & Mey. Crassula vaginata Eckl. & Zeyh. Craterostigma smithiiS. Moore Crinum abyssinicum Hochst. ex A. Rich. Crossandra mucronata Lindau Crotalaria cylindrica A.Rich. www.iiste.org Afaan Oromoo Dhallaa Qilxiphee Gaddaa Ceekkata Korboo Ogoraa Gaalaa Dhagamsa Jimaa Aramaa Araayyee Onnonnuu Obeessa Halakoo Ajoo Harcummee Mormaa Burii Lu'oo Rukkeessa Qaayyoo Hammeessa Dhiiroo Callaanqaa Hammeessa Sangaa Igguu Waddeessa Kubdhaa Buttee Waraabessaa Sayisa 21 Family Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Melianthaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Acanthaceae Asphodelaceae Fabaceae Rubiaceae Capparidaceae Apocynaceae Celastraceae Malpighiaceae Resedaceae Poaceae Asclepiadaceae Asclepiadaceae Fabaceae Verbenaceae Verbenaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Vitaceae Capparidaceae Capparidaceae Capparidaceae Capparidaceae Lamiaceae Euphorbiaceae Cucurbitaceae Combretaceae Combretaceae Commelinaceae Commelinaceae Commelinaceae Commelinaceae Commelinaceae Commelinaceae Burseraceae Burseraceae Burseraceae Burseraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Boraginaceae Boraginaceae Acanthaceae Crassulaceae Crassulaceae Crassulaceae Scrophulariaceae Amaryllidaceae Acanthaceae Fabaceae Habit Shrub Shrub Shrub/tree Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Shrub Climber/shrub Tree/shrub Climber Herb Grass Climber Climber Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Climber Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub Herb Climber Tree Tree Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Tree Herb/shrub Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb/shrub Herb Herb Tree Tree/shrub Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub Herb Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 Scientific name Crotalaria fascicularis Polhill Crotalaria laburnifolia L. Crotalaria lachnocarpoides Engl. Crotalaria oligosperma Polhill Crotalaria succulata Chiov. Croton macrostachyus Del. Croton schimperiana Muell. Arg. Cucumis aculeatus Cogn. Cucumis prophetarum L. Cussonia holstii Harms ex Engl. Cyanotis barbata D.Don Cyathula cylindrica Moq. Cycnium erectum Rendle Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Cyperus comosipes Mattf. & Kuk Cyperus dubius Rott. Cyperus rubicundus Vahl Cyphia glandulifera Hochst. ex A.Rch. Cyphostemma adenocaule (A.Rich.) Wild & Drummond Cyphostemma cyphopetalum (Fresen.) Wild & Drummond Cyphostemma niveum (Hochsat. ex Schweinf.) Desc. Cyphostemma serpens (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Desc. Dichrocephala integrifolia (L.f.) O. kuntze Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. Dioscorea quartiniana A. Rich. Diospyros abyssinica (Hiern)F. White Diplolophium africanum Turcz. Dodonaea angustifolia L.f. Dolichos luticola Verdc. Dolichos sericeus E.Mey Dolichos trilobus L. Dombeya aethiopica Gilli Dorstenia barnimiana Schweinf. Dregea schimperi (Decne) Bullock Drimia altissima (L.f.) Ker-Gwal. Dyschoriste multicaulis (A. Rich.) O. Kuntze Dyschoriste radicans Nees Echinops angustifolius S. Moore Echinops hispidus Fresen. Echiochilon lithospermoides (S.Moore) I.M. Johnston Ehretia cymosa Thonn. Eleusine floccifolia Spreng. Eleusine intermedia (Chiov.) S.M. Phillips Eragrostis capitulifera Chiov. Eragrostis olivacea K.Schum. Erianthemum dregei (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Tiegh. Eriosema nutans Schinz Erythrococca abyssinica Pax Euclea divinorum Hiern Euphorbia adjurana Bally & Carter Euphorbia crotonoides Boiss. Euphorbia depauperata A.Rich. Euphorbia inaequilatera Sond. Euphorbia lophiosperma S. Carter Euphorbia nubica N.E. Br. Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele Euphorbia tirucalli L. Fagaropsis hildebrandtii (Engl.) Milne-Redh. Faurea speciosa Welw. Ficus thonningii Blume www.iiste.org Afaan Oromoo Makkanniisa Burii Abrattuu Cophii Cophii Jirimee Baroodaa Lookoo Dhittacha Daannisaa/Sililaacha Rarii Miirtuu Raphachoo Bursii Ulaagaa Coqorsa Lolloqaa Adda Kaarroo Hirqaaqamuu Mi'eessaa Adaammaa Angayyaa Gaddaa Daansee Danbii 22 Family Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitaceae Araliaceae Commelinaceae Amaranthaceae Scrophulariaceae Poaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Lobeliacae Vitaceae Vitaceae Vitaceae Vitaceae Asteraceae Fabaceae Dioscoreaceae Ebenaceae Apiaceae Sapindaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Sterculiaceae Moraceae Asclepiadaceae Hyacinthaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Boraginaceae Boraginaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Loranthaceae Fabaceae Euphorbiaceae Ebenaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Rutaceae Proteaceae Moraceae Habit Herb/shrub Herb Herb/shrub Shrub Herb Tree/shrub Shrub Herb Herb Tree Herb Herb Herb Grass Herb Herb Herb Herb Climber Climber Climber Climber Herb Shrub/tree Climber Tree Herb Shrub/tree Herb Climber Climber Tree Herb Climber Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub Grass Grass Grass Grass Semi-parasite Herb Shrub Shrub/tree Tree Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub Herb Shrub/tree Tree Tree Tree/shrub Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 www.iiste.org Scientific name Ficus vasta Forssk. Galium spurium L. Gardenia ternifolia K. Schum. & Thonn. Gladiolus candidus (Rendle) Goldblatt Gladiolus negeliensis Goldblatt Gloriosa superba L. Gnidia somalensis (Franch.) Gilg. Gnidia stenophylla Gilg. Gomphocarpus stenophyllus Oliv. Gomphrena celosiodes Mart. Grewia kakothmnos K.Schum. Grewia similis K.Schum. Grewia trichocarpa Hochst. ex A.Rich. Grewia villosa Willd. Guizotia scabra (Vis.) Chiov. Haplocoelum foliolosum (Hiern) Bullock Harpachne schimperi Hochst. ex A. Rich. Helichrysum gerebrifolium (Sch.Bip.) A.Rich. Helichrysum glumaceum DC. Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & Scult. Hibiscus aponeurus Sprague & Hutch. Hibiscus crassinerius A.Rich. Hibiscus flavifolius Ulbr. Hibiscus fuscus Garcke Hibiscus vitifolius L. Hippocratea goetzei Loes. Hyparrhenia anamesia W.D.Clayton Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf Hypericum annulatum Moris Hypericum quartinianum A.Rich. Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Roem. & Schult. Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br. Hypoxis angustifolia Lam. Hypoxis villosa L.f. Indigofera amorphoides Jaub. & Spach. Indigofera arrecta Hochst. ex A.Rich. Indigofera brevicalyx Bak.f. Indigofera schimperi Jaub. & Spach. Indigofera spicata Forssk. Indigofera stipulosa Chiov. Indigofera volkensii Taub. Ipomoea sinensis (Desc.) Choisy Isoglossa somalensis Lindau Jasminum abyssinicum Hochst. ex DC. Juniperus procera Endl. Justicia calyculata Deflers Justicia diclipteroidesL. subsp. megaensis Hedren Justicia diclipteroidesLindau subsp. nierensis (Mildbr.) Hedren Justicia flava (Vahl) Vahl Justicia heterocarpa T.Anders. Justicia striata (Kl.) Bullock Kalanchoe citrina Schweinf. Kalanchoe laciniata (L.) DC. Kleinia grantii (Oliv.& Hiern) Hook.f. Kleinia odora (Forssk.) DC. Laggera alata (D. Don) Sch.Bip. ex Oliv. Lannea rivae (Chiov.) Sacl. Lannea schimperi (A.Rich.) Engl. Afaan Oromoo Qilxaa Gambella Qorsa Bofaa Hoomaa Aarsaa Aarsaa Dheekkaa/Xoqonuu Bungaala Harooressa Canaa Hancabbii Tamboo Beeraa Aliyaanquu Luuccolee/Gaaguroo Qorsa Bofaa Agaggaroo Harree Obbee Qalamii Hindheessa Bosoqqee Bosoqqee Ol Gabbis Andaraka Baddaa 23 Family Moraceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Iridaceae Iridaceae Colchicaceae Thymelaeaceae Thymelaeaceae Asclepiadaceae Amaranthaceae Tiliaceae Tiliaceae Tiliaceae Tiliaceae Asteraceae Sapindaceae Poaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Apiaceae Poaceae Malvaceae Malvaceae Malvaceae Malvaceae Malvaceae Celastraceae Poaceae Poaceae Clusiaceae Clusiaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Hypoxidaceae Hypoxidaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Convolvulaceae Acanthaceae Oleaceae Cupressaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Habit Tree Herb Tree Herb Herb Climber Herb/shrub Herb/shrub Herb Herb Shrub Shrub Shrub/tree Shrub Herb Tree Grass Herb Herb Shrub Grass Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Climber Grass Grass Herb Shrub/tree Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub/herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Climber Herb Climber Tree Herb Herb Herb Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Crassulaceae Crassulaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Anacardiaceae Anacardiaceae Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Shrub Herb Shrub/tree Tree Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 Scientific name Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. Lantana camara L. Lantana viburnoides (Forssk.) Vahl Launaea intybacea (Jacq.) Beauv. Ledebouria revoluta (L.f.) Jessop Leucas abyssinica (Benth.) Briq. Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R.Br. Lobelia holstii Engl. Maerua triphylla A. Rich. Maytenus arbutifolia(A.Rich.) Wilczek Maytenus buchananii (Loes.) Wilczek Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Exell Melhania beguinotii Cuf. Melhania zavattari Cuf. Mimusops kummel A.DC. Momordica foetida K.Schum. Monechma debile (Forssk.) Nees Monsonia longipes Knuth Myrsine africana L. Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. Nicandra physaloides (L.) Gartn. Nuxia congesta R.Br. ex Fresen. Ocimum urticifolium Roth Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. Olea capensis L. subsp. macrocarpa (C.A. Wright) Verdc. Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. ex G. Don) Cif. Olinia rochetiana A. Juss. Oncoba routledgei Sprague Oncocalyx glabratus (Engl.) M. Gilbert Oncocalyx schimperi (A. Rich.) M. Gilbert Opuntia ficus-indica(L.) Miller Ormocarpum trichocarpum (Taub.) Engl. Osyris quadripartita Decne Oxalis anthelmintica A.Rich. Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalis obliquifolia A.Rich. Oxygonum sinuatum (Meisn.) Dammer Ozoroa insignis Del. Pachycarpus petherickianus (Oliv.) Goyder Panicum ruspolii Chiov. Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. Pavetta abyssinica Fresen. Pavetta oliveriana Hiern Pavonia gallaensis Ulbr. Pelargonium multibracteatum Hochst. ex A.Rich. Pellaea calomelanos (Schwartz) Link Pellaea doniana Hook. Pellaea longipilosum Bonap. Pellaea viridis (Forssk.) Prantl Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov. Pentanisia auranogyne S.Moore Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers Peucedanum harmsianum Wolff Phoenix reclinata Jacq. Phyllanthus rotundifolius Willd. Phyllanthus sepialis Muell.Arg. Pimpinella schimperi Abebe Pistacia aethiopica Kokwaro Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims www.iiste.org Afaan Oromoo Family Anacardiaceae Midhaan Durbaa Verbenaceae Verbenaceae Quba Itti-dhayi Asteraceae Hyacinthaceae Lamiaceae Lamiaceae Lobeliaceae Dhumasoo Capparidaceae Fonkolcha Celastraceae Celastraceae Celastraceae Sterculiaceae Ibiddoo Sterculiaceae Qolaatii Sapotaceae Gaarmalee Cucurbitaceae Acanthaceae Geraniaceae Qacama Myrsinaceae Celastraceae Solanaceae Muka Daalacha Loganaceae Urgoo Loonii Lamiaceae Saattuu Rubiaceae Gagamaa Oleaceae Ejersa Oleaceae Daaluu Guddoo/Ejersa Oliniaceae Darmii Fullaasa Flacourtiaceae Loranthaceae Loranthaceae Gamboora Cactaceae Buutiyyee Fabaceae Santalaceae Xaaxayitoo Oxalidaceae Xaaxayitoo Oxalidaceae Oxalidaceae Mogorree Polygonaceae Garrii Anacardiaceae Asclepiadaceae Poaceae Biiqqaa Sapindaceae Korkorree Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Malvaceae Geraniaceae Adiantaceae Adiantaceae Adiantaceae Adiantaceae Buuyoo/Halaloo Poaceae Illamsa Rubiaceae Gaadalla Rubiaceae Apiaceae Meexxii Arecaceae Euphorbiaceae Dhirrii Euphorbiaceae Apiaceae Jirirsa Anacardiaceae Raawwaa Pittosporaceae 24 Habit Tree Shrub Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Tree/shrub Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Herb Herb Tree Climber Herb Herb Shrub Shrub/tree Herb Tree/shrub Herb Herb Tree Tree Tree Shrub/tree Semi-parasite Semi-parasite Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Herb Herb Herb Herb Tree/shrub Herb Grass Tree Shrub Shrub/tree Shrub Herb Fern Fern Fern Fern Grass Herb Herb/shrub Herb Tree Herb Shrub Herb Tree Tree Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 Scientific name Plectranthus xylopodum Lukhoba & Paton Podocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) Mirb. Polygala sphenoptera Fresen. Premna oligotricha Engl. Premna schimperi Engl. Protea gaguedi J.F.Gmel. Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm. Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. Pseudognaphalium oligandrum (DC.) Hilliard & Burtt Psychotrea kirkii Hiern Psydrax parviflora (Afz.) Bridson Psydrax schimperiana (A.Rich.) Bridson Pterolobium stellatum (Forssk.) Brenan Pyrostria phyllanthoides (Baill.) Bridson Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & Drummond Rhus natalensis Krauss Rhus ruspolii Engl. Rhus tenuinervis Engl. Rhus vulgaris Meikle Rhynchosia densiflora (Roth) DC. Rhynchosia malacophylla (Spreng.) Boj. Ricinus communis L. Rosa abyssinica Lindley Ruellia prostrata Poir. Ruttya fruticosa Lindau Scadoxus multiflorus L. Schrebera alata (Hochst.) Welw. Scolopia theifolia Gilg Scolopia zeyheri (Nees) Harv. Senna petersiana (Bolle) Lock Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. Setaria trinervia Stapf & C.E. Hubb. Sida ovata Forssk. Sida schimperiana A.Rich. Sideroxylon mascatense (A.DC.) Penn. Solanum denekense Dammer Solanum incanum L. Solanum lanzae Lebrun & Stork Solanum nigrum L. Spermacoce pusilla Wall. Spermacoce senensis Klotsch Sporobolus panicoides A.Rich. Sporobolus pellucidus Hochst. Sporobolus piliferus (Trin.) Kunth Sporopbolus discosporus Nees Stachys argillicola Sebsebe Steganotaenia araliacea Hochst. Ex A.Rich. Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke Struthiola thomsonii Oliv. Strychnos mitis S.Moore Tagetes minuta L. Talinum caffrum (Thunb.) Eckl. & Zeyh. Tapinanthus heteromorpha (A.Rich.) Dammer Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. Tarenna graveolens (S.Moore) Bremek. Teclea simplicifolia (Engl.) Verdoorn Tephrosia emeroides A.Rich. Tephrosia hildebrandtii Vatke Tephrosia holstii Taub. Tephrosia interrupta Hochst. & Steud. ex Engl. www.iiste.org Afaan Oromoo Barbaarressa Birbirsa Muka Gurraacha Gaallee Qajimaa Hoobane/Xaruu Daboobessa Baddaa Qobboo Gaalee Xuuxiyyee Abraasaa Dhamee Muka Diimaa Arxummee Maxaaxee Iddii Loonii Hadhaawaa Luqaanluqqee Sunkii Qincoo Adaaddoo Hadheessa 25 Family Lamiaceae Podocarpaceae Polygalaceae Lamiaceae Lamiaceae Proteaceae Rosaceae Fabaceae Asteraceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Fabaceae Rubiaceae Vitaceae Anacardiaceae Anacardiaceae Anacardiaceae Anacardiaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Euphorbiaceae Rosaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Amaryllidaceae Oleaceae Flacourtiaceae Flacourtiaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Poaceae Malvaceae Malvaceae Sapotaceae Solanaceae Solanaceae Solanaceae Solanaceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Lamiaceae Apiaceae Scrophulariaceae Thymelaeaceae Loganiaceae Asteraceae Portulacaceae Loranthaceae Asteraceae Rubiaceae Rutaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Habit Herb Tree Herb Shrub Shrub Shrub/tree Tree Herb Herb Shrub Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Climber Shrub/tree Climber/shrub Shrub/(tree) Shrub/(tree) Shrub Shrub/(tree) Climber Climber Tree like herb Climber/shrub Herb Shrub Herb Tree/shrub Tree Tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Grass Herb/shrub Shrub Shrub/tree Shrub Shrub Shrub Herb Herb Herb Grass Grass Grass Grass Herb Tree Herb Shrub Tree Herb Herb Semi-parasite Shrub Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Herb Herb Herb Shrub/herb Journal of Environment and Earth Science ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.5, No.11, 2015 Scientific name Terminalia brownii Fresen. Themeda triandra Forssk. Thunbergia mauginii Chiov. Tinnea somalensis Gurke Tragia brevipes Pax. Triumfetta flavescens Hochst. Trimeria grandifolia (Hochst.) Warb. Vangueria apiculata K.Schum. Vangueria madagascariensis Gmel. Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm. Vernonia popeana C. Jeffery Vigna membranacea A.Rich. Viscum tuberculatum A. Rich. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Xysmalobium heudelotianum Decne Zanthoxylum usambarense (Engl.)Kokwaro Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. Zornia apiculata Milne-Redh. www.iiste.org Afaan Oromoo Birreessa Doobboo Gurbii Hoolaa Gurra Harree Dirroo Iddii Xirooftuu Gaddaa Qurquraa Mar'imaan 26 Family Combretaceae Poaceae Acanthaceae Lamiaceae Euphorbiaceae Tiliaceae Flacourtiaceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Scrophulariaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Fabaceae Viscaceae Solanaceae Asclepiadaceae Rutaceae Rhamnaceae Fabaceae Habit Tree Grass Climber Shrub Climber Herb Tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Shrub/tree Herb Shrub Herb Climber Semi-parasite Herb Herb Tree Shrub/tree Herb The IISTE is a pioneer in the Open-Access hosting service and academic event management. The aim of the firm is Accelerating Global Knowledge Sharing. More information about the firm can be found on the homepage: http://www.iiste.org CALL FOR JOURNAL PAPERS There are more than 30 peer-reviewed academic journals hosted under the hosting platform. 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