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DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF WOODY SPECIES IN A PERI-URBAN AREA OF TIMISOARA CITY (ROMANIA). A CASE STUDY - GIROC COMMUNE

Alina Maria Tenche-Constantinescu

Abstract

Woody species play an important role in peopleпїЅs life: improving air quality, managing storm water, have an aesthetic impact and provide a calming setting for recreation. The study examines the diversity and distribution of woody species in a settlement located very close to one of the most important cities, which are situated in the west part of Romania - Timisoara (city of gardens and parks). The analysis of trees and shrubs diversity highlights a number of 1945 broadleaves and coniferous trees, 3163 fruit trees and 671 shrubs. The most common woody species are fruit trees (more than 50%). A total of 86 taxa (species and varieties of species) were identified as follows: 76 species and varieties of species (30 native and 46 non-native - coniferous, broadleaves trees and shrubs) and 10 fruit tree species. The analyses showed a lower diversity of woody species in street alignments. The higher diversity was recorded in squares, especially in Giroc graveyard. Here were identified special tree species with great landscape value like Pinus nigra ssp. banatica. In all green spaces significant trees were selected in order to be protected, according with morphological characters, biometric observations, and ecological aspects, historical and cultural values. The challenge for the future is to increase the diversity by introducing new taxa in green areas and simultaneously to maintain the local tradition to cultivate the local fruit trees more intensively but exclusively in gardens, orchards and other well defined spaces in accordance with the social demand.

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