Kikuyu, Maasai, and Embu, reflected a deep ecology with various beliefs and taboos surrounding native trees (Tom 2010; Wane and Chandler 2002). Eucalyptus. This was not, however, what brought about its introduction as a farm tree in Kenya. biomass production. Research shows that the following trees can earn you good income in Kenya. These activities are done by the forestry department, schools, local authorities, other organizations and volunteers such as NGOs, FBOs, CBOs, Self-help groups, women and youth groups. They produce small catkins that are edible as a protein-rich survival food, though they are bitter. Besides lack of formal protection status, these threats can PREFACE Ondiri Swamp is situated around a latitude of 1º15’S and longitude 36º40’E in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. The Acacia thicket and Eucalyptus plantation were cleared in summer (January and February) 2008 (debris was not removed). European influence in Kenya not only altered the ecology as new species such as Eucalyptus sp. This should not be a commercial venture, judging … Not only Maathai is aware of the impact of eucalyptus plantations on water: “munyua mai” (water guzzler) is the name given by Maathai’s native Kikuyu to the tree. In the county, beautification activities include trees planting in schools, urban tree planting in urban towns and road side tree planting along roads and highways. As a result there is acute shortage of fodder for livestock, which has even led to ... these trees along with kikuyu as grass. In the Kikuyu field we applied the grass-specific herbicide “Focus-Ultra” (active ingredient cycloxydim) to foliage at a rate of 4 L/ha at 2% concentration by knapsack sprayer. The result in 2009: “Thirsty eucalyptus trees get the chop in Kenya” An article published on 30 September 2009 informs that “farmers in central Kenya are cutting down water-hungry eucalyptus tree species growing near water sources as a government … It is said to be the second deepest wetland in Africa after another one in Douala, Cameroon. Eucalyptus is a tree usually planted far from the river because it consumes a lot of water. Many trees that commonly grow in North America and parts of Europe possess medicinal benefits. To ensure the longevity of the tree, never cut bark from the trunk of a living tree. were introduced, but it also had a detrimental impact on the existing social order. Alder trees are small trees in the birch family, and most species thrive in wet zones near rivers. In 2002 fast growing species Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis had been introduced to Kenya from South Africa and planted in great numbers everywhere. The swamp covers approximately 30 hectares, two to three meters Buying eucalyptus seedlings costs Ksh 10 but after 7 years-the time the tree takes to mature-you will sell a single tree at Ksh 15,000-Ksh25,000. Alder’s are tapped for syrup in the pacific northwest, in the same way as maple trees are tapped in the Northeast. eucalyptus trees. component will further enhance. During the fall and winter months most of the medicinal trees can offer roots, twigs and bark for the healing of a multitude of standard ailments. encroachment, overgrazing, planting of Eucalyptus on its riparian reserve, and infrastructural development. Ondiri Swamp is located in Kikuyu, Kiambu county. Kenyan Nobel Prize laureate, the late Professor Wangari Maathai was against the planting of these alien species of trees in Kenya due to their water guzzling quality.The eucalyptus, which is called the water drinker or guzzler (“munyua mai”) in Kikuyu, could just be the solution for water logged pieces of land.