New database will help cities select suitable species for planting
Each row in the database represents one plant species. The plants are further subdivided into categories on the basis of their taxonomic characteristics and morphology, their ability to absorb pollutants, and their resistance to the effects of pollutants. The taxonomy – which classifies a species within the biological system – is formed from four categories: family, order, class and species. Morphology comprises categories reflecting whether and how the plant drops its leaves (abscission), distribution of reproductive organs, co-occurrence with other species, shade tolerance, lifespan and the beginning of the plant’s fertility period. The database also shows whether a particular species is resistant to air pollution.
Thanks to the overlaps between the database categories, users can evaluate whether different species are similar in terms of the environments they require to grow and their ability to resist the negative impacts of pollution. Users can thus compile groups of species with similar characteristics and choose those species which are most suitable for the conditions at a specific location in the city or municipality. The database will not only be used for the purposes of the Clairo project; it will also be consulted by municipal greenery managers as part of their decision-making and planning processes.
During the project implementation period, the working version of the database will be modified and expanded to include further information and additional species, including tried-and-tested examples of practices that have proved successful in other cities. At the present time, users can view the pilot database on the project website: https://clairo.ostrava.cz/databaze-muze-mestum-pomoci-s-vyberem-vhodnych-rostlin-pro-vysadbu/
The final version of the database will be made available to users at the end of the project.
Air quality
