Ethiopia is known for its variety of plant species. Its different climatic zones provide suitable habitats for different plant genera. As part of the East Africa highland regions, the Ethiopian highlands are also widespread with various species of plants some of which are as follows.
Milletia ferruginea Hochst. Legucninosae (BirBira-am)
This is a tree reaching up to 15m. It has usually smooth grey brown bark. The flowers are violet, purple or light blue and the tips are covered with golden brown hairs. The fruit is 7-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide and contains up to 9 seeds. It grows between 1000-2500 m in Ethiopia.
The root of this plant is reported to be locally used in the treatment of elephantiasis. The crushed seeds are also used as a fish poison.
Cordial africana Lam. (Boraginaceae) Wanza (Am)
This is a tree usually between 6-15m high. The numerous white- or cream-colored flowers cover the dome – shaped canopy entirely at time of flowering. It grows between 700-2400 m in Ethiopia. The tree is useful in wood industries. The fruits are edible.
SYZYgium guineense (Wild). DC. (NAYr taceae) Dokma- Amh.
This is a tree usually between 6 to 10 m high. The flowers are small with numerous white stamens. It usually grows in wet forests or along river margins between 1200-2500m. The ripe fruits are edible.
Hagenia abyssinica J.F. Gmel (Rosaceae) Kosso (Am).
This is a tree that grows up to 20 m high and has reddish-brown, flaking bark. Numerous reddish-brown hanging flowers are produced on many branches. In Ethiopia it grows between 1900-3400m.
The tree is useful in wood industries. Traditionally the flowers are used in reliving the bowl of tapeworms.