Traditional agroforestry homegardens (HG) with their high levels of agro-biodiversity are reportedly suitable for circa situm conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR). Despite the importance of HGs in sub-Saharan Africa, woody plant species richness and diversity and functions of traditional African HGs in semi-arid and arid regions are poorly understood. Furthermore, species richness and diversity may be threatened by recent and fast evolving agricultural transformation processes such as commercialisation, which also occurs in the traditional ‘jubraka’ HGs of Sudan (Fig. 1). This study aimed at (i) the assessment of HG woody plant species richness and diversity and (ii) the identification of differences HG types regarding garden management and species‘ composition. Conclusions: (1)The assumed negative effects of commercialization on woody species richness and diversity were not confirmed. (2)The currently relatively strong role of HGs for circa situm conservation of PGR should be further strengthened by promoting cultivation of indigenous species.