Performance of native species in urban afforestation of public pathways in Lavras-MG, Brazil

Abstract In addition to creating scenic landscapes and beautifying urban areas, the cultivation of trees in urban areas can benefit ecosystems and improve cities sustainability. Besides some indications of adequate species for use in public pathways, there are few studies and knowledge regarding the native species behavior and uses for this purpose. In this way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of some native species in urban afforestation of public pathways. Species to be evaluated were selected considering characteristics such as occurrence (biome and region), height (medium or high size), growth rate (moderate to fast), and flowering (season and color) and at the end, 11 species were selected. The species Senna macranthera, Andira fraxinifolia, Pterocarpus violaceus, Cordia superba, Jacaranda cuspidifolia, Peltophorum dubium, Inga vera, Inga edulis, Senna multijuga, Handroanthus impetiginosus and Stifftia chrysantha were planted on a public pathway at Lavras-MG, Brazil (Biome: Mata Atlântica) and evaluated observing the initial survival, growth rate, canopy, diameter at breast height (DBH) and occurrence of damage and disease. Concerning the tested species, A. fraxinifolia and S. macranthera exhibited low survival after planting (10 months) and must be replaced for other species. Handroanthus impetiginosus and P. violaceus exhibited the best performance, presenting a good growth rate, followed by J. cuspidifolia, I. vera, and I. edulis.