Floristic diversity of managed green spaces in Guangzhou, China

The study investigated the floristic diversity in managed green spaces in Guangzhou (south China). Based on data collected in a full-scale inventory, the relationship amongst species richness, diversity, urbanization and landuse pattern were analyzed by community ecology indices and statistical tests. The flora of 1033 vascular species was dominated by a small number of popular, evergreen and exotic species, accompanied by many rare species and urban endemics dwelling in small and scattered ruderal and remnant natural sites. By species richness, tree was the dominant growth form, followed by herb and shrub. Widespread adoption of western landscape style has brought exotic lawns and suppressed indigenous herbs. Species richness and diversity, despite stressful site conditions and habitat simplification, was only slightly below urban-fringe secondary forests. Variations of species diversity between districts were not significantly correlated with development history. Old and young districts offered disparate conditions for species enrichment to establish divergent floristic and growth-form assemblages. Urban species profile was mainly influenced by pragmatic human needs and changing landscape fashion rather than nature enhancement or inheritance. Copyright © 2010 ISHS.