OBJECTIVE To document the diversity and traditional use of tropical plants as medicine by the indigenous people of southeast Nigeria. METHODS Information was obtained by interviews conducted with the aid of questionnaires and facilitators during field surveys carried out from January 1993 to June 1994. Voucher herbarium specimens were identified at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Herbarium, in collaboration with Bernhard Zepernick (former Curator), Botanisches Museum, Berlin. Specimens were photographed. RESULTS Data are summarized in the form of a table, summarizing the plants commonly used by the traditional doctors or medicine men. Herbal preparations are arranged alphabetically under family and species. The data are presented in the order: botanical name, collection number, vernacular name, locality, plant habit/status, and reported medicinal applications.