Abstract

Hagenia abyssinica is a multipurpose tree, which is sparsely distributed in the highland of Ethiopia. It is used for illness remedy, furniture, fuel, and as a soil additive. This review provides information on the present status and management practice of H. abyssinica in Ethiopia to give urgency care other than that given to introduced species for future conservation. The foliage and flowers have a higher quality of N and P for managing soil fertility. However, market availability is diminished. Its healing potential is widely accepted within the society and it is one of the dominant plants in the Boda Montane and Gole Forest. The plant in Hararge of Ethiopia is highly threatened through settlement changes and agriculture expansion. The Gemechis and Menagesha Amba Mariam forest is comprised of seedlings and saplings, but the Chilimo and Gole Natural Forest shows poor regeneration. The Doshke and Gedo forest is represented by aged trees; and the species is under risk. In some areas of Kofele, Bale, Holeta, Legambo and Debark of Ethiopia, it is cultivated in the homegardens for multiuse. Therefore, the diversity is highly shrinking and urgent actions will be needed to conserve it.

Key words:  Conservation, forest, Hagenia abyssinica, homegarden, regeneration, threatened.