Morfometria de espécies arbóreas ao longo das avenidas e ruas do distrito de Kampfumo, Cidade de Maputo

Abstract

Morphometric analysis of trees is one of the crucial steps for the success of urban forestry, especially in urban areas where they play an important role in the urban landscape and the well- being of people. The absence of an urban forestry plan with specific guidelines for the selection of species and pruning interventions in Mozambique, particularly in the City of Maputo, has led to inefficient pruning practices, compromising the natural architecture of tree species, their growth, and their ability to provide ecosystem services. This study aims to assess the morphometry of tree species along the avenues and streets of the Kampfumo District, City of Maputo. Based on tree representativeness of trees, eleven avenues and three streets with an East-West orientation were selected. However, each sidewalk or verge was considered as a sampling unit, and the species were classified into three growth conditions: no power lines, below power lines, and under power lines. All tree species with a DBH ≥ 5 cm were measured for four dendrometric variables: DBH, total height (TH), crown height (CH), and crown diameter (CD). A phytosociological analysis was conducted and based on the highest values of the Importance Value Index (IVI), five species were selected: Afzelia quanzensis, Aleurites moluccana, Delonix regia, Senna siamea, and Tabebuia pallida. The morphometric indices calculated were Crown Proportion (CP), Slenderness Ratio (SR), Salience index (SI), Canopy Extension Index (CEI) and Crown Shape (CS). The analyzed species predominantly exhibited rounded and horizontally elliptical crown shapes. There was no strong relationship between crown dimensions and morphometric indices based on the pearson correlation coefficient (r) and probability value. The Growth conditions did not influence changes in the morphometric indices. Drastic and total pruning did not negatively affect the morphometry of Afzelia quanzensis. However, for the other species, notably Senna siamea and Delonix regia, drastic pruning has compromised the crown morphometry in terms of vitality (growth), stability (resistance to wind), appearance, and the shade they provide.