Floristic Nativism of Arecaceae in Urban Greening of Cities in Northern Brazil

Abstract

The Arecaceae family, which includes about 181 genera and 2600 species of palms, has a pantropical distribution, with approximately 40 genera and 300 species in Brazil. This study aims to characterize the use of native and exotic palm species in urban greening in northern Brazil, highlighting the predominance of exotic species over native ones. The methodology employed included a literature review using databases such as Google Scholar, Scielo, and Scopus, utilizing terms like “urban greening” and “palms.” After filtering the data, the cited species were organized into a table according to their origin (native or exotic). The analysis covered 21 works, mostly focusing on street greening. The results show that the species Roystonea oleracea was the most cited, evidencing the use of exotic species. Despite recommendations for the use of native species, it is observed that these are still not adequately valued, highlighting the need for more effective planning in urban greening that considers local biodiversity and its ecological and economic benefits. The study concludes that there is an underutilization of native palms, suggesting the need for greater inclusion of these species in greening projects, promoting biodiversity conservation and local development.