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Abstract

Background and Objectives The global interest on the use of medicinal tree species for combating diseases is on the increase as against the synthetic drugs. There dearth of information on the open grown medico-ethnoforest tree species in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Hence, the study aimed at developing checklist and assessing abundance of open grown medicinal tree species in the university premises for sustainable management. Materials and Methods Total enumeration and identification of open grown tree species with their medicinal properties were made. Checklist of species was developed using table and species abundance was computed using frequencies and relative density. Results A total of 25 medicinal tree species with the frequency of 479, distributed within 23 genera and 15 families were encountered in the study area. Azardirachta indica had the highest occurrence with Meliaceae family having the highest frequency. Out of the 25 species identified as open grown medicinal tree species, 10 species are threatenedendangered. Furthermore, the study discovered open grown tree species within the study area are natural cure for about 40 diseases. Conclusion The University premises support trees with medical remedies for various diseases. The University management should embark on enrichment planting of the threatenedendangered tree species.