Background
We evaluated site suitability, early survival, and growth
performance forJuniperus
procera,Olea
europaeasubsp.cuspidata,Vachellia
abyssinica,Hagenia
abyssinica, andAfrocarpus
falcatusin the urban landscape of Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.
Methods
The MaxEnt model was used to evaluate site suitability for the 5
indigenous species. For the early survival study, experimental plots
were established and 500 seedlings, 100 seedlings for each species, were
planted on 2021 July 15 and monitored until 2022 February 30 for a total
of 225 days. Silvicultural activities such as mulching, weeding, and
watering were conducted. Every 45 days, measurements of height, root
collar diameter (RCD), death, damage, wilting, and defoliation were
recorded.
Results
The result of the study indicated that the Addis Ababa area is well
to moderately suitable to grow the 5 species. Mean survival rates
marginally declined over the course of 225 days, from 99.6% at 45 days
after planting to 90.4% at 225 days after planting.
EighteenV. abyssinicaseedlings were found
to be dead. Wild animals browsed and damaged 45% ofO.
europaeaseedlings.H.
abyssinicahad the highest growth performance. The
study shows that, relative to the other 4 species,V
abyssinicahad a greater number of wilted, defoliated,
and dead seedlings.
Conclusion
Each of the 5 species had a high rate of early survival and found
the urban environment to be suitable. This result will assist in the
shift away from planting only exotic tree species in green spaces and
encourage the presence of indigenous tree species.