Tree composition and structure in relation to urban park history and land-use in Hong Kong, China

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2019

Keywords

species richness, importance value, native species, exotic species, growth form, homogenization

Abstract

Urban parks serve as the major ecologically functional urban green infrastructure in densely populated and concrete-dominated cities. Trees in urban parks play an important role in fully performing the function of urban parks. However, the dynamic of tree composition and diversity remained largely unknown. This study assessed the tree composition and diversity in 32 urban parks with different ages of the highly urbanized city, Hong Kong. In total, 2800 trees belonging to 181 species were survey in 319 plots across all parks. The tree species were highly dominated by 75.7% exotic species. Broadleaved tree species were more common than conifers and palms. Park history has an impact on the species composition and diversity. The trend of decrease of larger tree and the increase of smaller trees were found in newly estalbished parks, especially for some large native trees. The most common and dominant trees in urban parks have changed, with more ornamental trees planted in new parks. The species richness and diversity has also decreased in new parks due to frequently use of a few species in urban parks. Great attention should be paid to the change of species composition and diversity to avoid the abuse of exotic species and homogenization in urban parks.

Source Publication

The 6th Fabos Conference on Landscape and Greenway Planning, at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, on 29-30 March 2019

First Page

119

Last Page

120

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