Journal Article
Tree planting in public squares in an Amazonian capital: are morphometric and ecological aspects considered for decision-making?
Hiago Felipe Cardoso Pacheco; Walmer Bruno da Rocha Martins; Julia Isabella de Matos Rodrigues; Joathan Cipriano Castro; Paula Daniele Martins Moraes; José Rozendo de Lima Silva; Marcos Alexandre Vieira Nascimento Filho; Lucas Lopes da Silva
Trees · Vol. 40, Issue 2 · 2026
Abstract
Key message This study highlights native species’ potential for urban landscaping in the Amazon region, prioritizing safety and ecosystem benefits. Abstract Public squares can be important elements for sustainable urban development and adaptation to climate change, for which an adequate tree composition is key. In the Amazon region, despite the high tree biodiversity, it is common to select unfitted species to compose public squares’ landscaping. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the suitability of species used for landscaping of public squares in an Amazonian state capital, based on 4 morphometric and 3 ecological features. 50 public squares were selected and inventoried, tree species were evaluated and classified according to morphometric features (crown projection, slenderness, overhang index, and coverage index), as well as ecological features (leaf habit, fruit weight, and species origin). Species were ranked from the most to the least suitable using weighted values based upon the 7 features employed. The results indicated that, within species currently in used in Belém public squares, Andira inermis (W.Wright) DC. (Cabbage bark) and Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Kapok tree), native to the Amazon region, were the most fitted for public squares landscaping among all the species encountered. Native species such as Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. (Brazil nut) and Swietenia macrophylla King (Brazilian mahogany), although promising, showed limitations due to their high weighted fruits. This study highlights the need for further research on the use of native Amazonian flora in public squares, especially on its regulating and cultural ecosystem services provision in urban contexts. Additionally, it emphasizes that the implementation of some species should be discontinued due to risks to the safety of urban square visitors and possible damage to urban infrastructure.