Indigenous Tree Research Articles

Impacts of atmospheric copper and cadmium deposition on the metal accumulation of camphor leaves and rings around a large smelter.

The atmospheric deposition of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) was monitored in eight sites around a Cu smelter with similar distance to verify whether tree leaf and ring can be used as bio-indicators to track spatial pollution record. Results showed that total atmospheric deposition of Cu (103-1215 mg/m2/year) and Cd (3.57-11.2 mg/m2/year) were 4.73-66.6 and 3.15-12.2 times higher than those in background site (164 mg/m2/year and 0.93 mg/m2/year). The frequencies of wind directions significantly influenced the atmospheric deposition of Cu and Cd, and the highest atmospheric deposition of Cu and Cd were at the prevalent northeastern wind (JN), and low frequency south (WJ) and north (SW) winds for the lowest deposition fluxes. Since the bioavailability of Cd was higher than that of Cu, the atmospheric deposition of Cd was more easily adsorbed by tree leaf and ring, resulting in only significant relation between atmospheric Cd deposition and Cinnamomum camphora leaves and tree ring Cd. Although tree rings cannot correctly record the atmospheric Cu and Cd deposition, higher concentrations in the indigenous tree rings than the transplanted tree rings suggested that tree rings can reflect to some extent the variations of atmospheric deposition. Generally, spatial pollution of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals cannot reflect the distribution of soil total and available metals around the smelter, and only camphor leaf and tree ring can bio-indicate Cd deposition. A major implication of these findings is that leaf and tree ring can serve for biomonitoring purposes to assess the spatial distribution of atmospheric deposition metal with high bioavailability around a pollution source with similar distance.

Feeding Habits and Activity Patterns of Grivet Monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops L.) in Batiero Church Forest, Northern Ethiopia

Grivet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) are restricted to fragmented forests where food and space are limiting factors. The study investigated the feeding and activity patterns of grivet monkeys in Batiero Church Forest, northern Ethiopia, using focal and scan sampling techniques. Both focal and scan animal sessions lasted 15 min, with 5 min rest intervals between sessions. During the early dry season, grivet monkeys mainly fed on Acacia sieberiana (26.5%) and Juniperus procera (17.5%). Dry season food selection was significantly different, J. procera (20.5%), Acacia mearnsii (15.6%), A. sieberiana (14.2%), and Cyperus bulbosus (12.7%). The predominant plant parts eaten were seeds (42.6% and 33.3% in early dry and dry seasons, respectively) followed by leaves (34.5% and 22.5% in early dry and dry seasons, respectively). The activity patterns showed no significant seasonal variation, and the most frequent activity was feeding (33.3% and 32.6%, in early dry and dry seasons, respectively). The preferred food source tree species are threatened, and the survival of the grivet monkeys depends on the conservation of indigenous plants and trees.

Herbage Yield Evaluation of Sesbania Tree Legume Lines (Sesbania scopoli) under Supplemental Irrigation

The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of three indigenous perennial Sesbania tree legume lines under supplemental irrigation and advice the promising species as cultivated fodder for livestock producers. Randomized Complete Block Design of three Sesbania tree legume lines of S. sesban DZF-405, S. dummeri DZF-336, and S. sesban DZF-403 with three replications was used. The result showed that the agronomic performances of vigor, height, lateral branch less than 50cm and 100cm, diameter, survival, as well as dry matter percent, dry matter leaf-to-stem ratio, and dry matter yield in ton per hectare were not varied statistically (P>0.05) between the three Sesbania tree legume lines. However, the two S. sesban lines of DZF-405 and DZF-403 numerically produced more dry matter yield (Mean±SEM) in ton per hectare (6.23±1.07 and 6.24±1.07, respectively) than S. dummeri DZF-336 (3.29±1.07). Lateral branches less than 50 and 100cm were found high (P<0.001) during the first harvest (8.15±0.56 and 16.74±0.78) than second (3.3±0.39 and 6.59±0.78) and third (4.44±0.39 and 7.82±0.78) harvest, respectively. But, the diameter was significantly (P<0.001) low 2.88±0.24 during the first harvest. Dry matter yield in ton per hectare (8.7±1.07) and dry matter leaf-to-stem ratio (1.32±0.06) were found high (P<0.001) during the second harvest period. The two S. sesban cultivated fodder lines numerically yield better dry matter under Wondogenet environmental conditions. Under supplemental irrigation, the varieties are more productive and can give multiple harvests with a minimum of three times per year. It can be utilized as a cut-and-carry feeding system for fresh fodder or leaf hay. This smallholder farmer is preferably advised to use S. sesban lines of DZF-405 and DZF-403 under supplemental irrigation for livestock feed resources.

Effects of indigenous tree species on soil properties of Nitisols at Dangila District, North-western Ethiopia

Effects of indigenous tree species on soil properties of Nitisols at Dangila District, North-western Ethiopia

Silviculture in the function of sustainable development

Silviculture in the function of sustainable development

Molecular Ecological Network Structure and Potential Function of the Bacterial Community in the Soil Profile under Indigenous Tree Plantations in Subtropical China

The soil profile is a strong and complex physicochemical gradient that greatly affects bacterial community structure and function between soil layers. However, little is known about molecular ecological network structure and bacterial community function under differing soil profiles in planted forests. Four typical native tree species (Pinus massoniana Lamb., Castanopsis hystrix Miq., Mytilaria laosensis Lec., and Michelia macclurei Dandy) plantations were selected from subtropical China as the research object. We evaluated molecular ecological network structure as well as potential function of the soil bacterial community at different soil depths (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) within native tree plantations. Our results showed that (1) compared to the topsoil (0–20 cm), the bacterial molecular ecological network scale increased within the middle layer (20–40 cm) and the subsoil (40–60 cm), and the interaction between species was stronger; (2) module hubs and connectors were the key bacterial groups in each soil layer and increased with increasing soil depth; (3) the dominant functional groups of the bacterial communities in each soil layer were chemoheterotrophy, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, cellulolysis, ureolysis, nitrogen fixation, and nitrate reduction, and they were related to soil carbon and nitrogen cycling; and (4) the different molecular ecological network structures along with relative bacterial functional group abundances among diverse soil layers were mainly affected by soil organic carbon (SOC), NO3−-N, NH4+-N, available phosphorus (AP), and total phosphorus (TP). Our study provides a theoretical foundation for bacterial community structure together with function within soil profiles of native tree plantations in subtropical regions.

Effects of Acacia melanoxylon, an alien tree species to South Africa, on Afrotemperate forest tree sapling composition

The alien tree Acacia melanoxylon (R.Br.) occurs extensively in the Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest (South Africa). Concerns exist about its potential negative effects on indigenous tree sapling communities, ultimately with implications for forest composition and structure. We investigated whether Acacia melanoxylon affects Afrotemperate forest tree sapling composition in the Garden Route National Park. Using a paired plot design, we compared sapling species richness, diversity and density underneath 30 overstorey Acacia melanoxylon trees and 30 indigenous counterparts of the species Podocarpus latifolius (Thunb.) R.Br. ex Mirb, Afrocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) C.N.Page, or Olea capensis macrocarpa (C.H.Wright) I.Verd. We recorded 2 503 tree saplings from 27 indigenous species and only three Acacia melanoxylon saplings in the 60 plots. There were no significant differences in the richness, diversity or density of saplings underneath Acacia melanoxylon trees versus their indigenous counterparts. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis accordingly showed only minor differences in sapling species composition and abundance between Acacia melanoxylon and indigenous overstorey trees. We concluded that indigenous tree sapling composition is not significantly altered by the presence of Acacia melanoxylon trees at the densities (< 3 trees ha−1) at which this species commonly occurs in Afrotemperate forest in the Garden Route National Park. However, populations of Acacia melanoxylon in the forest interior act as a source of propagules for invasion in forest margins, riparian areas and neighbouring fynbos shrubland, while at high density the species may alter forest gap-forming dynamics. These invasive attributes need to be considered in the management of the species in the region.

Endangered indigenous knowledge: Assessing locally adopted tree conservation practices in Aleta Wondo district, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia

Environmental quality cannot be maintained unless locally adopted indigenous knowledge of environmental conservation practices is duly considered. This study is, therefore, aimed to assess major indigenous practices and threats of indigenous tree conservation practices of Sidama people particularly focusing on Aleta Wondo district. It was also intended to investigating the factors influencing the continuity of practices in the vicinity. In order to collect the data, the local elders and rural development work agents were consulted as primary data sources. Both published and unpublished materials such as documents, journals, articles, books and official reports were accessed as secondary data sources. The research was conducted primarily by employing qualitative methods both for data collection and analysis. Based on the collected data, the major indigenous tree conservation practices in the study area include the places like kakkalo site, grave yard, sacred site, Gudumale and agro-forestry in the farm garden. It has also been identified that indigenous practices of conserving larger trees is declining due to the influences of religion, increasing living cost, education system and population growth. Moreover, no significant intervention was found exercised to tackle the problem. As a result, it is recommended that such locally adopted conservation practices should be addressed effectively in formulation and implementation of nationwide policies and strategies.

Tailoring tree ideotypes for multiple purposes in agroforestry

Domestication of indigenous tree species in agroforestry can play a seminal role to mitigate and diversify existing farm ecosystems to adapt against the vagaries of climate change by imitating “Mother Nature” in its pristine state. In this direction, developing elite genotypes in agroforestry matching with the need of farmers and associated industry can fetch higher prices in the market, while ensuring economic and livelihood security of subsistence farmers. To apprehend and enhance the flow of benefits from tree domestication, direct selection of superior genotypes or the conventional breeding approach for desired gene ingression followed by clonal propagation needs to be prioritized for developing ideotypes for specific end use. Further, exploring and tapping the potential of molecular breeding by collaborative efforts of conventional tree breeders, molecular geneticists, and tree physiologists in developing desired ideotypes in agroforestry is highly desirable.

Coffee Shade Tree Selection Criteria and Management Techniques in Smallholder Coffee-Based Agroforestry System in Gomma Woreda, Southwest of Ethiopia

To maintain the balance of productivity and increase coffee yield in the coffee agroforestry system, understanding the selection and management practices of shade trees is crucial. The purpose of this study was to examine shade tree selection factors and farmers management methods in a smallholder coffee-based agroforestry system in Gomma woreda, south-west Ethiopia, along an elevation gradient. Upper, middle, and lower gradients of the elevation were stratified, and two villages were randomly chosen from each elevation group. A total of 115 households were selected for interviews to examine coffee shade tree management practices and selection criteria. Moderated interviews that included both closed- and open-ended questions were administered. The information was gathered on the farmer's understanding and practice with regard to coffee shade tree selection and management. Result found that there is no correction between respondents age, sex and coffee shade management practices in study site. Farmers preferred both indigenous and exotic shade tree species such as 20% Cordia africana, 20% Albizia gummifera, 19%Croton macrostachyus, 5.2% Persea americana, 13% Grevillea robusta, and 3.5% Mangifera indica for coffee shade. Shade tree selection was based on tree height, origin, leaf size, shade quality, and leaf decomposition rate attributes.. Farmers also valued coffee shade trees for other additional ecosystem goods and services such as fruit, timber, construction wood, soil fertility maintenance, fodder, soil, and water conservation. Coffee shade tree provided both economic re-turn and biological conservation in study site.

A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY: A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY WUKARI

The impact of anthropogenic activities on tree species diversity of a selected sub-sample of the Federal University Wukari Campus comprising of four sampling Sites (A, B, C and D) was investigated using the Shannon-Wiener, Margalefs and Menhinik diversity indices. Tree felling is the commonest human activity. The infrastructural developments and anthropogenic activities among the four sampling sites ranges from low to high. A total of 203 individual tree species of 20 species from 15 families was encountered in the study area. The dominant families were Arecaceace, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Lamiaceae and Moraceae. Elaies guineensis (80) was the most dominant tree species with the highest relative density (RD) of 39.4% at Site D while the lowest RD of 0.49 were encountered at Sites A, B and C. The most abundant tree species were Elaies guineensis and Mangifera indica due to their economic importance. About 35% of the trees were exotic while 65% were native. A high Shannon-Wiener index value of 0.78 and Margalefs index value of 14.869 were observed. Analysis of the diversity indices of the 20 species reveals the sensitivity of the Shannon-Wiener index than the Margalefs index, though the two indices shows relative diversity of tree species according to their ranges. The high population size of the indigenous trees with higher economic uses is a strong indicator of loss of tree genetic resources that play critical roles in local diversification of the ecosystems to make them more resilient for what is to come with respect to climate change regulation.

Analysis of Charcoal Producers Perceptions of Its Production, Forest Degradation, and Governance in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia’s Dry Afromontane Forests

The purpose of this study was to assess charcoal producers’ perceptions of forest degradation and investigate governance in the dry Afromontane forests of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. It also examines the socioeconomic contribution of charcoal production to livelihood improvement and the effect of charcoal production on forest degradation and biodiversity loss. Three Kebeles (smallest administrative subunits): Galda, Sere Esho, and Mancha Gugara were purposely selected based on their potential for charcoal production. Semistructured questionnaires were used for household surveys, while checklists were provided for the key informants and focus group discussions. From the total 4,739 charcoal producer households in the selected Kebeles, 98 households were randomly selected and interviewed considering time and budget limitations. Besides, 6 key informant interviews with elders, forestry experts, and farmers and 3 focus group discussions were conducted. A simple descriptive statistical tool was used to analyze descriptive statistical data and chi-square at P &lt; 0.05 was used to describe the association of forest degradation with socioeconomic characteristics. The findings reveal that charcoal production is dominated by males (68.4%) compared to females, who were within the age range of 20‒43 years. About 59.18% did not attend any formal education and 18.37% attended elementary education. Charcoal production (32.7%) is second, following agricultural expansion (39.8%) in its negative contribution to forest degradation. The majority (76%) of charcoal producers participated in charcoal production at all times throughout the year. The chi-square result shows a significant relationship between monthly incomes, educational status, family size, and gender with charcoal production and forest degradation at ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The indigenous trees, Acacia tortilis (34%), Combretum mole (22%), and Terminalia schimperiana (16%), were the most preferred tree species used for charcoal production. Overall, charcoal production has resulted in forest degradation. Charcoal producers have used traditional earth mound kiln technology. Providing alternative energy sources, training, starting rehabilitation programs, and implementing policies and legal frameworks are needed for the sustainable utilization of the resources and to improve the livelihood of the communities.

Aboveground Biomass Models for Indigenous Tree Species in the Dry Afromontane Forest, Central Ethiopia

The application of biomass models for quantifying forests’ above-ground biomass is essential for sustainable forest management. However, lack of knowledge in modelig biomass of individual tree growth hinders the sustainable management of Dry Afromontane forests. In this study, models to estimate above-ground biomass were developed for Rhus ruspolii, Ekebergia capensis, and Nuxia congesta. To develop the models, a total of 45 trees from different diameter classes were selected, felled, and divided into different biomass compartments. For the model’s development, diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), diameter at stump height (DSH), and wood density (WD) were used as independent variables. Models’ performances were evaluated using RSE, adjusted coefficient of determination, and AIC. Also, model validations were done by using rRMSE, mean absolute deviation, bias, and coefficient of variation. Models 5 (Adj-R2 = 0.92), 6 (Adj-R2 = 0.97), and 8 (Adj-R22 = 0.82) were the best fitted models for Nuxia congesta, Ekebergia capensis, and Rhus ruspolii, respectively. The average wood densities of Ekebergia capensis, Nuxia congesta, and Rhus ruspolii were 0.59, 0.50, and 0.69, respectively. The variation between observed biomass and estimated biomass using new models was statistically not significant (p&gt;0.05). Thus, the biomass models developed here can be important tools to accurately estimate above-ground biomass in the Menagesha Suba forest and can be integrated into decision support tools.

Insight into the Complex Genetic Relationship of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) Advanced Parent Trees Based on SSR and SNP Datasets

Accurate estimation of genetic relationships among breeding materials and their genetic diversity contributes to the optimal design of breeding programs. For Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.), an important indigenous tree species in China, breeders have attempted to employ different molecular markers to address the genetic architecture of their target population, but the power of an advanced parent tree population with a complex pedigree relationship is still rather limited. In this study, a partly known pedigree map combined with marker-derived (SSRs and SNPs) information was implemented for the first time in the assessment of the genetic relatedness of a complex advanced parent tree population (n = 50) in Chinese fir. The bivariate analysis showed that relatedness coefficients between individuals based on SSRs were significantly correlated with SNPs (r = 0.690, p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the heatmap generated by the SSR-based coefficient matrix was largely consistent with that derived from the SNP-based matrix. Additionally, STRUCTURE and ADMIXTURE analyses based on the two markers showed an analogical genetic clustering result. When compared to the recorded pedigree information, the genetic relationships estimated by the two molecular markers were broadly parallel with pedigree relatedness. These results indicated that SSRs and SNPs can be used as effective tools to clarify genetic relationships when complete pedigree records are not available in Chinese fir. Based on the two markers, the present study revealed a relatively wide genetic variation (SSRs: PIC = 0.573; SNPs: PIC = 0.231) in the selected parent trees. This investigation provides important input into the progress of Chinese fir advanced-generation breeding.

Indigenous tree tenure in the times of charismatic carnivore conservation: Territoriality and property in the forests of central India

In the forested landscapes of central India, elite anxieties around extinction threats to charismatic carnivores has brought about a deeply exclusionary conservationist turn in state territoriality. This article draws a conceptual distinction between territoriality for extraction (TE) and territoriality for conservation (TC) in forested landscapes, since they have different implications for space, nature and society. Through a case study from the Kuno forests of central India, it examines the impact of the shift from TE to TC on indigenous ways of knowing and using the forest. It shows that the Sahariya Adivasi community had evolved a dynamic, site-specific and resilient indigenous system of tree tenure (ITTS) to use and manage the Boswellia serrata (Salai) forest, from which they harvested chir gum for sale. Based on participatory mapping and in-depth interviews, it contends that the ontology of property-as-relations rather than as property-as-possession is more productive for theorizing indigenous use and access of valuable tree species in forest landscapes of the global South. The ITTS is defined in terms of tree tenure, property-as-relations, and indigenous claim-making over resources, and is borne out of people's everyday use, harvest and labour practices around specific plant species. It shows how the ITTS, which withstood more than a century of colonial and postcolonial impulses of TE, is crumbling under the onslaught of a more pernicious form of TC driven by the material and discursive practices associated with cheetah conservation.

Necessity of genetic diversity study and conservation practices in chironji (Buchanania cochinchinensis (Lour.) M.R. Almedia)

Chironji (Buchanania cochinchinensis) is an indigenous tree species of Indian subcontinent which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It has tremendous potential to uplift the socio-economic status of village dwellers and tribal people. It is used for various purposes including fruits, fuel, fodder and medicines. The species is facing severe ecological and anthropogenic pressures due to indiscriminate harvesting and illicit felling. IUCN has designated Chironji as a vulnerable species indicating that it may be on the verge of extinction if proper conservation measures are not taken very soon. The reports on its conservation and genetic improvement are very less. Hence, it is needed to devise the strategies to conserve its germplasm and genetically improve the species for higher fruit yield. The genetic diversity present in the species is also needed to be studied for effective conservation. Eco-distribution mapping and Molecular characterization using modern tools like molecular markers can give an accurate idea about the genetic diversity in lesser time and will also help in devising the breeding strategies and conservation of its diverse genotype. This review encompasses the researches done on Chironji till date detailing the importance of its genetic diversity and tries to indicate the future conservation and improvement strategies to be taken to fill up the remaining gaps.

Efficacy of Selected Medicinal Plants of Kaya Kauma and Kaya Tsolokero Against Bacterial Diseases

An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the sacred Kaya forests of Kauma and Tsolokero in Kilifi County in Kenya. Ethnobotanical data on useful and medicinal plants was collected. Communities living around these two forests basically depend on the diversity of flora for their livelihoods. The local herbalists use indigenous trees and shrubs to treat a variety of diseases. These skills have been passed down through generations. In this study, a survey was carried out in twenty-six villages around Kaya Kauma (18) and Kaya Tsolokero (8). The population was interviewed for knowledge on medicinal plants. More emphasis was put on the Traditional herbal practitioners (THPs) possess more information on herbal plants, their preparation and prescription for ailments they reportedly treat. Preliminary reports indicated that most commonly treated ailments were caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses in that order. Based on this, Eleven (11) medicinal plants recommended for bacteria-related ailments were selected and tested in the laboratory to validate their efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Suspensions of S. aureus and E.coli were prepared form 24h fresh colonies and diluted to x10-7 cfu/ml where 100µl of each were plated to dry on 9cm plates filled with King B media. A protocol adopted from the THPs was used to prepare medicinal plant formulations from the selected plants. The plant materials were subjected to soaking, boiling or roasting as recommended and finally formulated in SDW at 1:1 (Wt/Vol). About 40µl of the plant formulations diluted at x10-1, x10-2 and x10-3 and SDW as control treatment were loaded on sterile paper plugs, allowed to air dry in a laminar flow before placing them equi-distantly at 4 cm radius on the inoculated King B media plates. More than (64%) of tested plants suppressed the growth of either S. aureus or E.coli while 4 (&gt;30%) suppressed both test bacteria. In total, 91 medicinal plants were mentioned by communities in Kaya Kauma (48) and Tsolokero (43). THPs from the two forest commonly treated ailments caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses in that order. The bioassay tests in this study validated the potency of more than 75% of the recommended medicinal plants that treated bacterial infections. Concentrations used in the study were far below what is recommended by THPs which raises concerns of possibilities of over prescriptions. There is need therefore to regularize and standardize products from this fast-growing industry.

Multipurpose Research from a Native Woody Oil Plant Xanthoceras sorbifolia in China

Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge, an indigenous oilseed tree from China, is a major woody energy plant that has been used for biodiesel production for a long time. In the past decade, X. sorbifolia has become a hot research topic due to its diverse bioactivities, which include improving learning and memory deficits, killing sperm, stabilizing capillaries, lowering cholesterol, and rheumatism. This review aims to analyze a comprehensive appraisal of X. sorbifolia, including its history, traditional uses, biological activities, food value, economic value, and current applications, and provide instruction for promoting the multipurpose utilization of X. sorbifolia.

Using acoustic recording units to investigate the effects of logging of indigenous trees in the Amathole forests, South Africa on Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus breeding and the presence of three primary cavity-excavating bird species

Summary The Amathole forest complex is the breeding stronghold of the endemic and vulnerable Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus, and is also one of only two forest complexes in South Africa formally harvested for timber. The aim of this study was to determine if formal harvesting of indigenous trees, primarily the two yellowwood species Afrocarpus falcatus and Podocarpus latifolius, in 9 of 16 Amathole forests has had any effect on the presence of Cape Parrots and three primary nest-excavating species, as well as on parrot breeding. The study used logging data from the past 25 years (1997–2021) as well as data collected by acoustic recording units over two breeding seasons from 2019 to 2021. Cape Parrots were present in 15 of 16 forests, but breeding calls were identified in only seven forests: five in logged and two in unlogged forests. Fourteen of the forests harboured all three primary excavators: Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata, Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus, and Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus. The last two species were absent from the adjacent Mount Thomas and Kologha forests, respectively, in which parrots were present, but no breeding calls were recorded. Logging of yellowwoods was not found to affect parrot breeding. However, due to the overlap between preferred parrot breeding sites and preferred trees for harvesting, we recommend that harvesting in the five harvested forest blocks where parrot breeding occurs be limited to tree falls, with no standing dead, dying, or damaged trees harvested, to ensure that potential nesting trees are not harvested.

Leaf-based Classification of Important Indigenous Tree Species by Different Feature Extraction Techniques and Selected Classification Algorithms

The machine learning algorithms, namely, k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Back-Propagation (BP) networks, and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are four of the mostly used classifiers. Different sets of features are required as input in different application domains. In this paper, a set of significant leaf features and classification model was determined with a high accuracy in classifying important indigenous tree species. Leaf images were acquired using a scanner to control the image quality. The image dataset was then duplicated into two sets. The first set was labeled with their correct classes, preprocessed, and segmented in preparation for feature extraction. The leaf features extracted were leaf shape, leaf color, and leaf texture. Then, training and classification was done by KNN, SVM, and BP networks. On the other hand, the second set was unlabeled for training and classification by CNN. A CNN model was built and chosen with the best training and validation accuracy and the least training and validation loss rate. The study concluded that using all three leaf features for classification by BP networks resulted in a 93.48% accuracy with training done by supervised learning. However, the CNN achieved a high accuracy rate of 98.5% making it the best approach for classification of tree species using digital leaf images in the context of this study.