Role of Ornamental Plants in Enhancing Urban Ecosystem Resilience and Sustainability

Abstract

The growth and intensification of anthropogenic impacts in the natural ecosystem have a significant impact on the ecosystems resulting in pollution, ecological imbalance and reduction in the quality of the environment. In this regard, ornamental plants which are traditionally considered as the means of having aesthetic appeal are becoming crucial living elements of urban green infrastructure. In addition to beautification, they provide diverse ecosystem services that lead to environmental sustainability, human health and urban resilience. Ornamental plants, which serve a functional role, improve the air quality by capturing carbon and absorbing pollutants, regulating the microclimates by reducing urban heat islands, and helping manage storm water, prevent soil erosion, and noise. They also help in biodiversity by supplying food and habitats to pollinators, birds and other fauna in cities that enhances ecological balance. Socio-culturally, ornamental vegetation benefits the recreational areas, community building, and psychological well-being, and has an economic benefit of enhanced property value, tourism destination, and decreased medical expenditures. Moreover, their services to the urban environment, such as climate regulation, nutrient cycling and water purification demonstrate their multifunctional character in the sustainability of the urban environment. This paper is a critical discourse of the processes and relative functions of ornamental plant species to provide ecosystem services with a focus on identifying the most appropriate ideotypes to execute the functions of purifying the air, adjusting the climate, controlling water, and human welfare. It is important to appreciate ornamental plants as dynamic ecological resources, as opposed to ornamental items, in order to incorporate them in sustainable urban design to realize healthier, more habitable and resilient cities amidst the fast-paced urbanization and climate change.

Keywords

Article information