Performance of native species in urban afforestation of public pathways in Lavras-MG, Brazil

Abstract In addition to creating scenic landscapes and beautifying urban areas, the cultivation of trees in areas can benefit ecosystems improve cities sustainability. Besides some indications adequate species for use public pathways, there are few studies knowledge regarding native behavior uses this purpose. way, objective study was evaluate performance afforestation pathways. Species be evaluated were selected considering characteristics such as occurrence (biome region), height (medium or high size), growth rate (moderate fast), flowering (season color) at end, 11 selected. The Senna macranthera, Andira fraxinifolia, Pterocarpus violaceus, Cordia superba, Jacaranda cuspidifolia, Peltophorum dubium, Inga vera, edulis, multijuga, Handroanthus impetiginosus Stifftia chrysantha planted on a pathway Lavras-MG, Brazil (Biome: Mata Atlântica) observing initial survival, rate, canopy, diameter breast (DBH) damage disease. Concerning tested species, A. fraxinifolia S. macranthera exhibited low survival after planting (10 months) must replaced other species. P. violaceus best performance, presenting good followed by J. I. edulis.