Abstract:
Indigenous trees have been discovered to be disappearing from urban areas at alarming rates, and the contributions of the
existing trees are not adequately documented. Milicia excelsa is an indigenous trees species in tropical Africa and
popularly known as Iroko. Due to extensive exploitation for wood production and other socio-economic activities, the tree
species is classified as threatened and relics could only be found in a few locations. A survey of the trees in the city of
Ibadan was therefore carried out to determine their distribution as well as their socio-economic contributions to the urban
people. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the people living close to the trees or working in the
locations where the trees are sighted to determine the socio-economic benefits. A total of 65 trees (0.14 trees/km2) of
M. excelsa were sighted. As observed in the city, the benefits of the tree species were categorized as: environmental,
medicinal, economic, spiritual and ecological services. Provision of shade that creates a ‘microclimatic environment’ in
the form of cooling effects from the heat of the day was mentioned by about 95% of the respondents as the major benefit
obtained from the trees. A strategy for the conservation of the trees as urban trees and their protection against damage to
life and property are considered imperative. There is also a need for an appropriate policy that protects indiscriminate
felling of indigenous trees in the city and constant monitoring of the trees’ status for any sign of weakness.
