Learn how to search, filter, and explore the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea database
Getting Started
The Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea Database contains over 13,100 species records from all published volumes. This guide will help you navigate and make the most of the database features.
Quick Search
Type any plant name, family, or genus in the search bar and press Enter. Results appear instantly.
Advanced Filters
Click "Advanced Filters" to narrow down by family, genus, volume, habit, or taxon rank.
Keyboard Shortcut
Press Ctrl + K to jump directly to the search bar from anywhere on the page.
Video Tutorial
Watch our 2-minute introduction to the database
(Video tutorial coming soon)
How to Search
Basic Search
Simply type your search term in the main search bar and press Enter. The search looks across:
Scientific names (e.g., Aerangis brachycarpa)
Family names (e.g., Orchidaceae, Poaceae)
Genus names (e.g., Acacia, Aloe)
Author names (e.g., Chiov., Hochst.)
Advanced Search Operators
For more precise searches, use these special operators in the search box:
Search by Family: family:Orchidaceae - Finds all orchids in the database family:Poaceae - Finds all grasses
Search by Genus: genus:Aerangis - Finds all Aerangis species genus:Acacia - Finds all acacias
Search by Volume: volume:V6 - Finds all records from Volume 6 volume:V7 - Finds all records from Volume 7
Search by Author: author:Chiov. - Finds species described by Chiovenda author:Hochst. - Finds species described by Hochstetter
Search by Habit: habit:Herb - Finds all herbaceous plants habit:Tree - Finds all trees habit:Graminoid - Finds all grasses and sedges
Search by Taxon Rank: rank:species - Shows only species-level records rank:variety - Shows only varieties rank:subspecies - Shows only subspecies
Pro Tip: Combine Operators!
family:Orchidaceae genus:Aerangis - Finds only Aerangis orchids volume:V6 habit:Graminoid - Finds grasses in Volume 6
Using Advanced Filters
Click the "Advanced Filters" button to expand additional filtering options.
Available Filters
Family - Dropdown of all plant families
Genus - Dropdown of all genera
Volume - Filter by specific Flora volume (V1-V7)
Habit - Filter by growth form (Herb, Tree, Shrub, Graminoid, etc.)
Taxon Rank - Filter by species, subspecies, variety, or form
Reset Filters
Click the "Reset Filters" button to clear all filters and start a new search.
Understanding Results
Species Card Layout
Each result displays a card with:
Taxon Badge - Shows whether it's a species, subspecies, or variety
Scientific Name & Author - The full scientific name with citation
Family & Genus - Taxonomic classification
Habit - Growth form (if available)
Volume & Page - Where to find it in the printed Flora
Unique ID - Database identifier (e.g., FEE:V6:0001)
View Modes
Toggle between two view modes using the icons at the top right:
Grid View - Cards arranged in a grid (default)
List View - Cards arranged in a single column for easier reading
Pagination
Results are shown 20 per page. Use the pagination controls at the bottom to navigate between pages.
Audio Pronunciation
Scientific names can be difficult to pronounce. The database includes audio pronunciation for all species.
How to Listen
Find the speaker icon on any species card
Click the icon to hear the scientific name pronounced
The system uses text-to-speech technology optimized for Latin scientific names
Browser Support
Audio works on all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) when using HTTPS. If audio doesn't work, check that your browser is up to date.
Exporting Results
Save your search results for offline use or reference management.
Export Formats
CSV - Open in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet software
BibTeX - For LaTeX documents and BibDesk/JabRef reference managers
RIS - For EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley, RefWorks
EndNote - Direct EndNote import format
How to Export
Run your search to get results
Click the download icon
Select your preferred format from the dropdown menu
The file will download automatically
For Researchers
Use the BibTeX or RIS export to import species records directly into your reference manager. The exported files include all citation information.
Comparing Species
Compare up to 4 species side-by-side to see differences in classification, habitat, and more.
How to Compare
Click the compare icon on any species card
Add 2-4 species to your comparison list
A comparison bar will appear at the top of the page
Click "Compare (X)" to see a detailed comparison table
What You Can Compare
Scientific name and authorship
Family and genus classification
Growth habit
Volume and page references
Taxonomic status
Citing Species
Generate properly formatted citations for your research papers.
How to Cite
Click the "Cite" button on any species card
Select your preferred citation format (APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard)
Copy the citation text to your clipboard
Citation Styles Available
APA - American Psychological Association style
MLA - Modern Language Association style
Chicago - Chicago Manual of Style
Harvard - Harvard referencing style
Database Citation
To cite the entire database, use the citation box at the bottom of the page:
Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea Consortium (2024). Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea Species Database. Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species are in the database?
The database currently contains over 13,100 species records from Volumes 1-7 of the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Why can't I hear the audio pronunciation?
Audio requires HTTPS and a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). Make sure you're visiting the site via HTTPS and that your browser is up to date.
How do I export results for my research?
Click the download icon at the top of the results section and choose your preferred format (CSV, BibTeX, RIS, or EndNote). The file will download automatically.
What do the different taxon rank badges mean?
species - Standard species level subspecies - Subspecies (geographically distinct populations) variety - Varieties (naturally occurring variations) form - Forms (minor variations)
Can I save my searches?
Yes! Click the bookmark icon to save your search and receive email alerts when new matching records are added.
How do I report an error or suggest a correction?
Use the "Feedback" link in the footer to submit corrections or suggestions. You can also email us directly at the address listed on the contact page.
Is the database free to use?
Yes, the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea Species Database is completely free for researchers, students, and the public.
How often is the database updated?
The database is updated as new volumes are published and when taxonomic revisions are made. Check the version date in the footer for the last update.
Need More Help?
If you can't find what you're looking for, or if you have suggestions for improving the database, please contact us: