Inventory of Medicinal and Economic Trees in Idanre Forest Reserve, Ondo State

The Idanre Forest Reserve in Ondo State, within Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone, is a biodiversity-rich lowland rainforest reserve that has historically supported timber extraction, yet its non-timber tree species of medicinal and economic importance remain poorly inventoried. This study conducts a systematic inventory of medicinal and economically significant tree species in the reserve, examining species composition, density, and current utilization by adjacent communities. Vegetation sampling was conducted using 20m x 20m nested plots established along eight systematic transects within the reserve. All trees with diameter at breast height above 10 cm were identified, measured, and recorded. Ethnobotanical interviews with 40 community members, including traditional healers, herbalists, and timber craftsmen, complemented field data. A total of 92 tree species were inventoried, of which 38 were reported to have medicinal applications and 25 were identified as having significant economic value in local timber or craft markets. Species such as Khaya ivorensis, Pterocarpus osun, and Afzelia africana are among the most economically valued trees, all of which show low regeneration rates within the reserve. The study recommends sustainable harvest regulations for the most pressure-sensitive species, enrichment planting of depleted species in disturbed zones, and community nursery programs linked to agroforestry promotion. Keywords: medicinal trees, economic trees, Idanre Forest Reserve, South West Nigeria, ethnobotany