Eritrea is located in the north-eastern part of Africa, covering a land area of 124,432 km 2 . Altitudes range from 60 metres below sea level to 3,180 m above sea level. Some areas at higher altitudes are shrouded in mist for extended periods and this enables moisture-demanding species to grow there. Temperatures are low and the vegetation is lush, whereas lowland areas are generally hot and arid. Along the coast, the climate is hot and the vegetation is influenced by the salinity of the soils and water. The depression in the Bada area is well below sea level, very hot and the soils are saline. This wide range of ecological conditions provides the environment for many species of plants and animals, and Eritrea has a wide diversity of trees. Traditions among the people of Eritrea vary significantly from one part of the country to another. There are a number of ethnic groups with their own languages. Land-use practices also differ a great deal, not only because of different ecological conditions but also because of socio-cultural differences. In the past, there was little literature or recorded information available on the indigenous or exotic trees and shrubs of Eritrea. In fact, there are almost no books dealing with tree growing or other forms of land use specifically related to Eritrea. Now that the era of mismanagement and the liberation war have come to an end, painstaking afforestation activities are going on. Thus it was felt that a comprehensive handbook would be useful for a large number of people such as extensionists, teachers, students and land-use managers of various kinds. The Ministry of Agriculture therefore requested support from the Regional Soil Conservation Unit (RSCU) to produce this manual. The book is based on material collected during field trips made to all parts of the country during which local people were consulted. The information gathered in this way was complemented by the authors' knowledge and information from the reference sources used.