Local name

Botanic name

Importance

Current status (local perception)

Mvule

Milicia

Chief’s tree (Mtiwamila)―with total protection. Only Mangi could use it. Used for sacrifices

Threatened with extinction

Mgangafumu

Chief’s tree (Mtiwamila)―with total protection

Locally extinct

Misesewe

Albiziaglaberrima

Shade, water retention

Threatened with extinction―they are replaced by timber species. Also, they are currently targeted for white timber

Masale

Trigonellafoenum

Prevent soil erosion, reduce conflicts (is a respected border mark)

Still maintains its traditional values but are few

Mfumu

Vitexdoniana

Water retention

Threatened with extinction

Mruka

Alfzeliaquanzensis

Shade, water retention and prevent soil erosion.

Threatened with extinction

Mapala

Acer pensylvanicum

Prevent soil erosion and are evergreen throughout the seasons

Threatened with extinction

Mapasa

Mcobotini

Prevent soil erosion. Are planted as fences across steep slopes

Threatened with extinction

Mkuyu

Ficussycomorus

Water retention

Threatened with extinction

Mringaringa

Acacia albida

Water retention

Threatened with extinction

Mihanzi

Albus

Water retention

Threatened with extinction

Masteria, Majaniyatembo, makatimara and makengera

Diplurida/ arachnida

Control soil erosion but also nutritious animal feeds

Threatened with extinction

Mnengu

Hymenaeaverrucosa

Moisture retention―hosts some insect species (called firondo) that emit water during dry season

Threatened with extinction