Accra, June 12, GNA - A book to serve as a source of information for the ethno-botanical uses of timber as food, medicine and ritual purposes as well as its commercial and local uses was launched in Accra on Wednesday.

The book: "Tropical African Timber Trees From Ghana," describes tree and wood identification features of 100 timber species, including 26 premium and commercial species and 74 lesser-used and lesser known species.

Dr. Akwasi Oteng-Amoako, author of the book, said it was written based on a research on timber trees in Ghana. "The trees were selected from the forests of Ghana and also those found in other tropical countries of Africa." He said the book provided a quick reference guide for identifying trees based on taxonomical features and bark characteristics and for wood identification based on macroscopic and physical features. Dr. Oteng-Amoako said the data the book provided could also be used by decision makers in determining availability of species for commercial exploitation. The book, funded by the International Timber Organization, is recommended for students, lecturers, scientists, foresters, technologists, builders and other professionals as well as non-governmental organizations, government departments and institutions. Copies were given to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and other forestry and agricultural organizations.