Where's the diversity that was here? A case study in afforestation in the city of Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil Amélia Carlos Tuler, Letícia Stephan Tavares, Michélia Antônia do Nascimento Gusmão, Fabrício Alvim Carvalho

Abstract

We investigate the urban reforestation of the city of Alegre, belonging to the region of Caparaó capixaba, recognized as one of the areas of great diversity in the southeastern region of Brazil. Of the 91 species listed here, 21 are exotic to Brazil, 7 exotics to the State of Espírito Santo and 16 naturalized. Among the exotic species, eight are considered invasive. Only 16 species used in street trees are native, 3 being spontaneous. The insertion of native species into street trees may be an opportunity to raise public awareness of native plants and the need to conserve them.