HOW IS THE GREENERY IN THE HISTORIC MARTYRS' SQUARE? SURVEY AND PHYTOSANITARY DIAGNOSIS OF THE ARBORIZATION OF THE FIRST URBAN PARK IN FORTALEZA, CEARÁ

Abstract

The Praça dos Mártires (Martyrs' Square), is the oldest urban park in Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil. The park is densely wooded and harbor the second largest number of trees protected by law in the city. This research aimed to study the trees present in the historical park and we conducted a detailed survey of the tree cover and tree health inside the park. We recorded 212 individuals, including trees, shrubs, and palm trees, divided among 49 species and 16 families. We also made a phytosanitary assessment and classified the trees, shrubs and palms in a scale related to the severity of damage for each plant: 4.25% of the plants were classified as grade 1 (excellent); 42.92% as grade 2 (good); 26.42% as grade 3 (regular); 16.51% as grade 4 (poor); and 9.91% as grade 5 (very poor). Our study also evaluated the individuals legally protected by the city law. We recognize the importance of legal protection for historical trees, but highlighting flaws in the care and maintenance for these trees. We also suggest the need for adopting more robust criteria to declare a tree legally protected and the need of effective care actions to guarantee the health of the urban trees in the park.