Invasive tree species in urban parks landscaping of Curitiba, PR

Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the introduced tree species in landscaping of five urban parks of Curitiba, mainly concerning invasive species. Five parks were randomly selected: “Passeio Público”, “Parque Bacacheri”, “Parque São Lourenço”, “Parque Barigui” and “Parque Municipal do Passaúna”. The trees were identified according to the taxonomy and origin. 5525 trees were analyzed, 95.9% were identified at species level. From the analyzed population, 149 species were identified as well as 48 families. Only 7 families represent 50% of all families, with a predominance of Fabaceae (20.8%), and the largest number of families was found in “Parque São Lourenço”. In relation to the origin, 38.25% of trees are native of Curitiba, 24.83% are native of Brazil and 24.83% are exotic species. 13 invasive alien species had been found: Citrus limon, Eriobotrya japonica, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus viminalis, Eucalyptus sp. Hovenia dulcis, Ligustrum lucidum, Melia azedarach, Morus nigra, Pinus elliottii, Pinus sp and Pittosporum undulatum. Psidium guajava was the only Brazil native species  considered invasive in Paraná. The “Passeio Público” is the park with the highest number of invasive alien species, and the “Parque Municipal Passaúna” had the greatest number of native species of Curitiba.

Keywords: Green areas; alien species; indigenous species.