Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the arborization in praça XV de novembro in Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil

The XV de Novembro Square was inaugurated in the middle of the nineteenth century and besides its great historical and cultural value, it is one of the largest green areas in Ribeirao Preto downtown area. The objective of this work was to quantify and qualify the arboreal vegetation composition in order to guide a direct conservation and management design. A qualitative and quantitative inventory and phytosociological survey of existing trees and palms was carried out. For this purpose, the following parameters were measured: height, DBH (diameter breast height) and all individuals identified by species level. The square occupies an area of 15,456.00 m2 where it was found 42 species distributed into 19 families, totaling 161 individuals. Although the area presents a great diversity index(Shannon-Weaver at 3,14), the local arborization need more attention regarding its phytosanitary aspects and suitable pruning which can improve the safety in the square and the landscape quality.