Philippine Guidebook on Plant Species Suitable for Urban Greening – Study Flashcards

45 question-and-answer flashcards summarising key concepts, criteria, benefits, plant categories and species issues from the Philippine Guidebook on Plant Species Suitable for Urban Greening.

What is meant by “urban greening” in the Philippine guidebook?

The science, art and practice of establishing and managing vegetation and other green resources in and around community ecosystems to yield psychological, social, aesthetic, economic and environmental benefits.

According to the PSA, what are two of the three criteria that qualify a barangay as urban?

(1) A population of 5,000 or more; (2) At least one establishment with a minimum of 100 employees; (3) OR five establishments with ≥10 employees and five facilities within 2 km of the barangay hall.

Name the three broad benefit categories of urban greening discussed in the guidebook.

Ecological; Practical/Aesthetic; Socio-cultural.

Give two ecological benefits of urban greening listed in the manual.

Improved biodiversity and wildlife habitat; influence on the water cycle through interception, evapotranspiration and infiltration.

State one practical or aesthetic benefit of establishing urban vegetation.

Strategically placed plants reduce wind and noise or act as living walls that screen unsightly views.

List two socio-cultural benefits produced by urban greenery.

Creates venues for recreation/socialization; improves people’s mood, blood pressure and self-esteem.

What is the 10-20-30 diversity rule for sustainable plantings?

No single species should form >10 % of plantings, no single genus >20 %, and no single family >30 % of the total palette.

Identify the four main groups of criteria in the Plant Selection Guide.

(1) Design intent & functions; (2) Existing planting-site conditions; (3) Maintenance requirements; (4) Tolerance.

Cite three site-condition factors assessed before planting.

Available space/volume, soil type & structure (compaction, pH), vertical & horizontal clearances from infrastructure.

Name two ‘species of concern’ flagged for Philippine urban areas because of invasiveness or hazards.

Examples include Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-leaf acacia) and Lantana camara (Coronitas).

Why are coconuts and mahogany considered poor choices for most city streets?

Their large, hard drupes or fruits can fall and endanger lives and property.

Why is relying on aesthetics alone a problem in species selection?

Ignoring horticultural and arboricultural requirements leads to higher maintenance, safety risks and unsustainable plantings.

Which Philippine Green Building Code provision promotes the use of native plants?

Section 14 ‘Open Space Utilization’ requires open spaces to be vegetated with indigenous and adaptable species.

How are the plant profiles grouped in this guidebook?

By growth habit (trees, bamboos, palms & cycads, shrubs/hedges, herbs, vines, aerial plants, ground covers, turf & lawn) instead of by family.

Define ‘aerial plant’ as used in the manual.

A plant that typically grows on other plants or above ground (e.g., on tree trunks) and maximises vertical space.

What primary purpose do ground covers serve in urban landscapes?

They form a low, dense layer that protects soil from erosion and drought while adding texture or colour.

Give two landscape uses of shrubs and hedge plants.

Privacy fencing and creation of mass plantings or foundation plantings.

Why are clumping bamboos popular for privacy fences?

They grow densely, quickly form tall screens and help control erosion.

What does the guidebook define as a native species?

A plant that occurs naturally in a given Philippine region without human introduction.

Which fragrant native tree is widely cultivated for perfume oils?

Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata).

Name a palm native to the Philippines that is now vulnerable in the wild.

Manila Palm (Adonidia merrillii).

What does an IUCN status of “Vulnerable” signify?

The species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.

List two functions palms & cycads can serve in urban greening.

Provide focal points and maximise vertical space while symbolising grandness in the landscape.

Describe one key characteristic that makes Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) suitable for coasts.

High tolerance to salt spray, sandy soils and strong winds.

What are plant bracts and how are they useful?

Modified leaves located just below flowers that often provide colour and attract pollinators (e.g., bougainvillea bracts).

Give one example of a ‘Design intent’ character used in species selection.

Choosing a key or signature tree to serve as a focal feature in a plaza.

Why must the ultimate mature size of a species be considered?

To avoid future conflicts with infrastructure, reduce pruning costs and minimise safety hazards.

Define a ‘greening program’ as used in the glossary.

A restoration initiative aimed at increasing upland or urban vegetation cover in a specified area.

What is ‘biosafety’ in the context of plant introductions?

An integrated approach to analysing and managing risks to humans, animals, plants and the environment posed by living organisms.

How does the guidebook use the term ‘species of concern’?

Plants that may threaten people, property or ecosystems due to invasiveness, toxicity or structural hazards.

Which tree’s pollen is noted to cause strong allergic reactions among Filipinos?

Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-leaf acacia).

What is the ‘crown’ of a tree?

The upper portion where branches, stems and leaves form the canopy above the trunk.

Why might a Rain Tree (Samanea saman) need a root barrier in streetscapes?

Its expansive roots can damage pavements, drains and underground utilities without containment.

Name a native coastal species tolerant of salt spray recommended for boulevards.

Malibago or Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus).

What does assessing the root-to-shoot ratio help determine?

Whether the available soil volume is adequate to physically and physiologically support the plant.

Under maintenance requirements, why is irrigation method listed?

To ensure the chosen species’ water needs can be met (e.g., drip, sprinkler, or none after establishment).

Differentiate ‘native’ from ‘exotic’ species in one sentence.

Native species evolved locally without human aid, whereas exotics originate elsewhere and were introduced, intentionally or accidentally.

Name two ways urban vegetation influences the water cycle.

By intercepting rainfall and by increasing infiltration through root systems.

Which Philippine cinnamon species is prized for its aromatic bark?

Kalingag (Cinnamomum mercadoi).

What is the prime purpose of turf or lawn areas in active greenspaces?

To create safe, resilient surfaces that cushion impact and provide usable open space.

Identify one ornamental bamboo variety highlighted for its white-striped leaves.

Silverstripe Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex ‘Silverstripe’).

What is the scientific name of the Bird’s-Nest Fern?

Asplenium nidus.

Why is Bougainvillea spp. listed as invasive despite ornamental popularity?

Its aggressive climbing habit lets it escape cultivation, dominate native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems.

What pedestrian hazard is linked to African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata)?

Its dropped flowers become slippery on pavements and the tree’s brittle wood can fail in storms.

Why does the guidebook caution against Tradescantia zebrina as a ground-cover?

It spreads rapidly, smothers forest floors and the native alternative Commelina benghalensis is preferred.