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An Ecological Survey and Assessment of
Median Trees and Shrubs as an Urban
Biodiversity Component in Gaza City, Palestine
مسح و تقييم بيئي ألشجار و شجيرات جزر الشوارع كعنصر تنوع حيوي حضري في مدينة غزة، فمسطين
Ayat Abdel Hameed A. Abbas
Bachelorus of Education Science
Supervised by
Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou
Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Biological Science (Botany &Mycology)
November \ 2016
غزة –الجامعة اإلسالمية شئون البحث العممي والدراسات العميا
ة العمومكمي نبات وفطريات -الحياتية ماجستير العموم
The Islamic University–Gaza
Research and Postgraduate Affairs
Faculty of Science
Master of Biological Science
(Botany & Mycology)
II
Abstract
Median trees and shrubs are a significant component of a country‟s streets. They
provide a range of psychological, social, aesthetic and economic values. No previous
studies dealing with the identification and assessment of median trees and shrubs
were carried out in Gaza Strip. Hence, the current study is the first of its kind in Gaza
Strip; The management and conservation of processese median trees and shrubs in
Gaza City are weak and the ecological awareness of local people towards median
trees and shrubs seems to be weak. It aims to identify the median trees and shrubs in
selected streets in Gaza city through local ecological survey. The public awareness
was investigated as well through questionnaire application on 180 people living
proximate to the targeted streets. All data were statistically analyzed using Excel and
SPSS computer programs.
The results showed that a total number of 4060 trees and shrubs belonging to 45
species, 25 families and 15 orders were identified and recorded in Al Jalaa, Jamal
Abdel Naser, Awn Shawa (Street 8), Al Shuhada and Al Aqsa Street in Gaza City of
the current study. The Rosales was the biggest order and comprised 16% of the
surveyed trees and shrubs. Moraceae was the biggest family and comprised 13% of
the recorded species. Angiosperms represented 95.56% of the recoded trees and
shrubs. The majority of species (80.43%) are exotic, while the rest (17.39%) are
native. Fruit trees and shrubs represented 15.56% in the sense that they can provide
food for humans. The Oleander (Nerium oleander) was the most common species in
the targeted streets and constituted 38.23% of the occurrence of the recorded species.
It was followed by the River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), California Fan
Palm (Washingtonia filifera), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Hopbush (Dodonaea
viscosa) and Weeping Fig (Ficus nitida).
The results concerning questionnaire application showed that 96.7% of the
interviewed population believed on the importance of median trees and shrubs for
humans and environment. 86.7% of them ensured the role of median trees and shrubs
in attracting animal biodiversity, especially birds. About two-thirds (68.9%) believed
on the threat facing median trees and shrubs. Destruction by locals, overgrazing by
livestock, solid waste disposal, and poor management were obvious examples.
Finally, the conduction of environmental awareness campaigns to local people is
recommended to ensure the sustainability of these urban biodiversity elements in
Gaza city.
III
الممخص
عنصر هام ف شوارع المدنة. إنها توفر مدى من القم النفسة جزر الشوارعشجرات وتعتبر أشجار
واالجتماعة والجمالة واالقتصادة. لم تجر أي دراسات سابقة تتعامل مع تصنف وتقم األشجار والشجرات
؛ عملة اإلدارة ا ف قطاع غزةى من نوعهالوسطة ف قطاع غزة. وبالتال، فإن الدراسة الحالة ه األول
وصون أشجار وشجرات الجزر ف مدنة غزة ضعفة؛ والوع البئ للسكان المحلن اتجاه أشجار
الجالء و جمال عبد ارعجزر شأشجار وشجرات إلى تصنف الدراسة . وتهدفوشجرات الجزر ضعفة
ف مدنة غزة خالل األقصى )الصناعة( شارعشهداء و( و ال8و عون الشوا )شارع الناصر )الثالثن(
شخص عشون على 180المسح البئ المحل. الوع العام قد تحقق كذلك من خالل تطبق استبان على
و Excelمقربة من الشوارع المستهدفة. وقد تم تحلل جمع البانات إحصائا باستخدام برامج الكمبوتر
SPSS.
15عائلة و 25نوعا، 45والت تنتم إلى 4060أن إجمال عدد األشجار والشجرات النتائجوأظهرت
المستهدفة ف مدنة غزة من الدراسة الحالة. تعتبر رتبة الخمسة شوارعالرتبة قد تم تصنفها وتسجلها ف
سجلة. من األشجار والشجرات الم %16( ه أكبر الرتب وقد حازت على نسبة Rosalesالوردات )
من ااألشجار %13( ه أكبر عائلة وحازت على نسبة Moraceaeكذلك تعتبر عائلة التوتات )
من األشجار والشجرات المسجلة. الغالبة %95.56والشجرات المسجلة. تمثل كاسات البذور نسبة
غت نسبتهاوبل بلدة أهلة/بنما البقة (%80.43) وبلغت نسبتها دخلةالعظمى من األنواع ه
. تعتبر الدفلى %15.56نسانلإلغذاء كالمهمة األشجار والشجرات المثمرة مثلث . (17.39%)
(Nerium oleander) 38.23أكثر األنواع شوعا ف الشوارع المستهدفة و شكل تواجدها حوال%
ثم ، (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)الكافور الكنا أو أعقب ذلك . من األشجار والشجرات المسجلة
الددونا ثم (Phoenix dactylifera)نخل البلحثم ( وWashingtonia filiferaالواشنطونا )
(Dodonaea viscosa) الفكس نتداثم(Ficus nitida) من حث شوعها.
أشجار قدون بأهمة ن تم مقابلتهم عتمن السكان الذ %96.7تطبق االستبان أن بأظهرت النتائج المتعلقة
ف جزر الشوارعمنهم على دور أشجار وشجرات %86.7 أكدلإلنسان والبئة. جزر الشوارعشجرات و
( بوجود تهددات %68.9.5) عدد الدراسةعتقد ثلثا جذب التنوع البولوج الحوان، وخاصة الطور.
والرع الجائر من قبل المواش، محلن، . فالعبث من قبل السكان الجزر الشوارعتواجه أشجار وشجرات
حمالت بعقدوالتخلص من النفاات الصلبة، وسوء اإلدارة أمثلة واضحة على تلك التهددات. أخرا، نوص
توعة بئة للسكان المحلن لضمان استدامة عناصر التنوع الحوي ف المناطق الحضرة ف مدنة غزة.
IV
مث زث رث ٹٱٹٱٱ [6الرحمن: ]
V
Dedication
I present this work to those who do not scrimp on me
at any moment or condition to provide the best
circumstances for my success .... to my heart and soul
♥♥♥♥♥ my parents.
To my sisters and brothers ♥♥♥♥♥ the rose of my life.
To that man who give me the love and Support ♥♥♥♥♥
to my husband Abdullah Abu Shaweesh.
To that great spirits who go up to the sky, sacrifice for
the holiness of this land ♥♥♥♥♥ to our martyrs mercy
upon them.
To all people who are the explorers of the knowledge
and science ♥♥♥♥♥ to my professors and teachers.
VI
Acknowledgments
First of all thanks and appreciation, love and gratitude to my creator Allah for bounty
and support granted to me during my study.
I express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to my supervisor Dr. Abdel Fattah
N. Abd Rabou, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences, The Islamic
University of Gaza for his planning and initating this research and for his
continuous support, encouragement and kind supervision that leads to the emergence
of this work in its current form.
Thanks go to the staff of Biology Department, Islamic University for their
continuous help, support, and encouragemen to achieve this research .
Special thanks also go to Municipality of Gaza; Specially Eng. Montaser Shehada
and to Mr. Ayman Drdona and nurseries owners for encouragement and support
during the survey in the streets of Gaza City and to everyone who has a hand in this
work.
VII
Table of Contents
Declaration .................................................................................................................... I
Abstract ........................................................................................................................ II
Abstract in Arabic language ...................................................................................... III
Dedication .................................................................................................................... V
Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................... VI
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................... VII
List of Tables ............................................................................................................ IX
List of Figures .............................................................................................................. X
List of Appendixes .................................................................................................. XIV
Chapter i introduction ............................................................................................... 1
1.1 Overview ....................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Objectives ...................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Problems ........................................................................................................ 4
1.4 Significance ................................................................................................... 4
Chapter II Literature Review ................................................................................... 6
2.1 Definition of Biodiversity and Street Trees ................................................... 7
2.2 Benefits of Street Trees and Shrubs .............................................................. 7
2.2.1 Environmental Benefits: ............................................................................ 8
2.2.2 Sicioeconomic ........................................................................................... 9
2.3 Balance Between Native and Exotic Street Tree Selection: ........................ 11
2.4 Irrigation: ..................................................................................................... 11
2.5 Structural Soils: ........................................................................................... 12
2.6 Tree Selection Depending on the Tolerance of the Urban Environment and
other Criteria ................................................................................................ 13
2.7 Pest Control and Pruning of Street Trees .................................................... 15
2.8 Street Trees Problems of Urban Environment ............................................. 16
2.9 Previous Studies .......................................................................................... 16
Chapter III Methodology ........................................................................................ 23
3.1 Materials and Methods ................................................................................ 24
3.1.1 Historic Palestine ..................................................................................... 24
3.1.2 Study Area ............................................................................................... 25
3.1.3 The Targeted Streets in the Gaza City ..................................................... 25
3.1.4 Field Survey and Identification Tools ..................................................... 27
3.1.5 Questionnaire Design and Application .................................................... 27
3.1.6 Photography ............................................................................................. 28
VIII
3.1.7 Data Analysis ........................................................................................... 28
Chapter IV Results .................................................................................................. 29
4.1 Species Recorded ......................................................................................... 30
4.2 Gymnosperms vs. Angiosperms .................................................................. 30
4.3 Native vs. Exotic Species ............................................................................ 31
4.4 Fruit vs. Non-fruit Species ........................................................................... 36
4.5 Frequency of the Recorded Species ............................................................. 37
4.6 Tree and Shrub Species and their Counts per Individual Street .................. 41
4.7 Notes on Median Trees and Shrubs ............................................................. 48
8.4 Qur'anic Species .......................................................................................... 72
4.9 Questionnaire Results .................................................................................. 75
4.9.1 Personal profile of the research sample ................................................... 75
4.9.2 Knowledge aspects of median trees and shrubs of Gaza city streets: ..... 77
4.9.3 Threats facing the median trees and shrubs ............................................. 85
4.9.4 The rule of median trees and shrubs in attracting animal biodiversity
elements .............................................................................................................. 93
4.9.5 Management and conservation of median trees and shrubs .................... 96
Chapter V Discussion ............................................................................................ 100
Species Recorded ................................................................................................. 101
Questionnaire Survey ........................................................................................... 105
Chapter VI Conclusion and Recommendation ................................................... 111
6.1 Conclusions ............................................................................................... 112
6.2 Recommendations ..................................................................................... 113
References ............................................................................................................... 114
Appendixes ............................................................................................................. 126
IX
List of Tables
Table (4.1): Street tree and shrub species recorded in the Gaza city ........................ 32
Table (4.2): Numbers and percentages of the recorded species of street trees and
shrubs in the Gaza city ............................................................................ 37
Table (4.3): Street trees and shrubs mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. ......................... 72
X
List of Figures
Figure (1.1): Street median in Gaza City .................................................................... 3
Figure (3.1): Map of Gaza Strip ............................................................................... 25
Figure (3.2): Map of the targeted streets in Gaza City ............................................. 26
Figure (4.1): Orders of street trees and shrubs recorded in the current study. ......... 34
Figure (4.2): Families of street trees and shrubs recorded in the current study
[Others: Cyperaceae, Xanthorrhoeaceae, Asclepiadaceae,
Tamaricaceae, Sapindaceae, Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Rhamnaceae,
Bignoniaceae, Verbenaceae, Myoporaceae, Scrophulariaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Nyctaginaceae, and Pittosporaceae] ........................... 35
Figure (4.3): Gymnosperm vs. Angiosperms (Monocot. and Dicot.) of trees and
shrubs of Gaza city streets .................................................................... 35
Figure (4.4): Native vs. Exotic trees and shrubs in Gaza city streets ....................... 36
Figure (4.5): Fruit vs. non-fruit trees and shrubs in Gaza city streets ...................... 36
Figure (4.6): Numbers and percentages of the recorded species of street trees and
shrubs in the Gaza city.......................................................................... 40
Figure (4.7): Tree and shrub species and their counts per individual street ............. 41
Figure (4.8): Median trees and shrubs in Al-Jalaa Street ......................................... 43
Figure (4.9): Median trees and shrubs in Jamal Abdel Naser Street ........................ 44
Figure (4.10): Median trees and shrubs in Al-Shuhada Street .................................. 45
Figure (4.11): Median trees and shrubs in Al-Aqsa Street ....................................... 46
Figure (4.12): Median trees and shrubs in Street- 8 ................................................. 47
Figure (4.13): Order of Pinales, A: Evergreen Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), B:
Monterey Cypress (Cupressusmacrocarpa) ......................................... 49
Figure (4.14): Order of Arecales, A: Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), B: California
Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera) ......................................................... 50
Figure (4.15): Order of Poales, Umbrella Papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius) ............. 51
XI
Figure (4.16): Order of Asparagales, A: Spanish Dagger (Yucca gloriosa), B:
Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Sansevieria guinensis), C: Aloe (Aloe
succotrina) ............................................................................................ 52
Figure (4.17): Order of Gentianales, A: Oleander (Nerium oleander), B: Yellow
Oleander (Cascabela thevetia), C: Large Num – Num (Carissa
bispinosa) and D: Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera) ................... 54
Figure (4.18): Order of Fabales, A: Acacia (Acacia cyanophylla), B: Royal
Poinciana (Ponciana regia), C: Lebbeck (Albizia lebbeck), D:
Rosewood ( ( Tipuana tipu and E: Weeping Wattle (Peltophorum
africanum ) ........................................................................................... 57
Figure (4.19): Order of Violales, F: Nile Tamarisk (Tamarix nilotica) .................. 58
Figure (4.20): Order of Malvales, A: Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), B:
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa- sinensis), C: Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus
tilliaceus), D: Sleeping Hibiscus (Malvaviscus arboreus(, E: Lagunaria
( Lagunaria patersonii).......................................................................... 60
Figure (4.21): Order of Myrtales, A: Callistemon (Callistemon citrinus), B: River
Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) ................................................... 61
Figure (4.22): Order of Sapindales, A: Hopbush (Dodonaea viscose), B: Brazilian
Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), C: White Cedar (Melia azedarach) 63
Figure (4.23): Order of Rosales A: Weeping Fig (Ficus nitida), B: Rubber Fig
(Ficus elastic), C: Benjamin Fig 'Starlight' (Ficus benjamina starlight),
D: Fig Tree (Ficus carica), E: Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus), F: Red
Mulberry (Morus rubaram) and G: Christ's Thorn Jujube (Zizyphus
spina-christi) ......................................................................................... 66
Figure (4.24): Order of Lamiales; A: Jacarand (Jacaranda mimosifolia), B: Wild
Olive (Olea oleaster), C: Common Olive (Olea europaea), D: Golden
Dewdrop (Duranta erecta), E: Boobialla ( ( Myoporum serratum, F:
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja americana) .................................................. 69
Figure (4.25): Order of Malpighiales, Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) ................ 70
Figure (4.26): Order of Caryophyllales, Veranera (Bougainvillea spectabilis) ....... 71
Figure (4.27): Order of Apiales, C: Japanese Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira) .... 72
Figure (4.28): the characteristics of the research sample (N=180) along the five
streets in the Gaza city: A (Sex); B (Age frequency); C (Educational
level); D (Marital status) and E (Profession) ........................................ 76
XII
Figure (4.29): The nearest main street to respondents' houses ................................. 77
Figure (4.30): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the importance of
trees and shrubs for human ................................................................... 78
Figure (4.31): Some people utilize the shade of the trees for sitting and getting rest
.............................................................................................................. 79
Figure (4.32): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the importance of
trees and shrubs for environment.......................................................... 80
Figure (4.33): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the fruit median
trees and shrubs .................................................................................... 80
Figure (4.34): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the prefer planting
trees and shrubs in median streets ........................................................ 81
Figure (4.35): The fruits of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) may increase the
level of waste in street medians if not harvested in a proper way ........ 82
Figure (4.36): The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a fruit tree grown in many
Gaza streets ........................................................................................... 82
Figure (4.37): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the economic
importance of the median trees and shrubs .......................................... 83
Figure (4.38): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the medical median
trees and shrubs .................................................................................... 84
Figure (4.39): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the damage caused
by median trees and shrubs on the street infrastructure........................ 86
Figure (4.40): Trees clog sewage lines as a result of secondary roots growth ......... 86
Figure (4.41): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the role of median
trees and shrubs in causing traffic accidents ........................................ 87
Figure (4.42): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on risks threatening
median street trees and shrubs .............................................................. 88
Figure (4.43): Cutting off of water pipes and solid waste disposal threaten median
trees and shrubs .................................................................................... 88
Figure (4.44): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on notice the solid
waste beside the median trees and shrubs ............................................ 90
Figure (4.45): Garbage containers are put in street medians .................................... 90
XIII
Figure (4.46): Droppings of animals pollute the vicinity of median trees and shrubs
.............................................................................................................. 91
Figure (4.47): The accumulation of leaves and other waste items distort the urban
view ...................................................................................................... 91
Figure (4.48): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) concerning the pests
attacking median trees and shrubs ........................................................ 92
Figure (4.49): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the aggression made
towards median trees and shrubs .......................................................... 93
Figure (4.50): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on attracting animal
biodiversity elements of median street trees and shrubs ...................... 94
Figure (4.51): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on benefits of
organism ............................................................................................... 95
Figure (4.52): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on risks of organisms
.............................................................................................................. 96
Figure (4.53): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the municipal make
protection and pruning for median trees and shrubs............................. 97
Figure (4.54): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on support using
treated sewage in irrigating median trees and shrubs ........................... 98
Figure (4.55): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the most common
ways in irrigating median trees and shrubs .......................................... 98
Figure (4.56): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the fertilizers used
for supporting of planting median trees and shrubs ............................. 99
XIV
List of Appendixes
Appendix 1: Questionaire .................................................................... 127
Appendix 2: Facilitate the task ............................................................ 134
Appendix 3: Questionaire Arbitration ................................................. 135
Appendix 4: Questionaire Analysis ..................................................... 140
1 Chapter I
Introduction
2
Chapter I
Inoduction
1.1 Overview
Street trees and shrubs have been an integral part of the urban landscape. They
occur commonly as individuals but also, of course, in lines or small groups (Dandy,
2010). Street tree planting is a very significant component in the appearance of
streets and is a critical factor in the overall impression one has of the public domain.
Wooded or tree-lined streets provide much-welcomed aesthetic beauty and visual
relief in city settings, and supply a range of psychological, social and economic
benefits (Wolf, 2005). Wooded streets constitute the most accessible green spaces for
the vast majority of low to medium income city dwellers who lack access to other
green spaces in residential and commercial areas, thus playing an extremely
significant and irreplaceable role in urban lives (Heynen et al., 2006).
Selecting appropriate trees that are remain healthy, safe, and functional is particularly
important. Species that grow too tall or broad should not be planted under power
lines or near sidewalks where branches will cause conflicts, However, large maturing
trees should always be advocated for unconfined spaces because they most
effectively produce canopy cover and provide the greatest long-term return on
planting investment (Virginia Tech. Department of Forest Resources &
Environmental Conservation, 2010). There is still an urgent need to increase the
number of professional landscape architects, arborist, landscape designers, and town
planners. This will foster a greater appreciation of green elements and promote
research, technology and the professional practice of tree planting and landscaping as
a whole (Sreetheran et al., 2011).
Trees and shrubs growing in streets and park strips are exposed to a barrage of
hazards including road salt, heat radiation from surrounding surfaces, trunk damage
from mowing equipment and automobiles, vandalism, heavy pruning for traffic and
power lines and limited crown and root areas. Although most of the obstacles that
plague street trees are caused by the site itself, proper species selection can assuage
3
some of these hurdles and increase the potential for survival (McPherson and Peper,
1995).
The street median is a raised surface landscape with softscape or hardscape. It is
located in the roadway between two opposing directions of travel as shown as in
(Figure 1.1). While medians appear to be rather unremarkable street features, they
are an important asset for aesthetic, environmental, and mobility purposes (Parks et.
al., 2013).
Figure (1.1): Street median in Gaza City
The perceptions and attitudes of urban residents regarding street trees and vegetation
in their communities have been researched by using visual simulation methods and
questionnaires asking residents about street trees in front of their homes. These
studies have consistently shown that urban residents have a very positive view of
trees, and that the annoyances of trees are outweighed by the benefits they provide
(Schroeder et al., 2006).
In the Occupied Palestine, Shashua-Bar et al. (2010), the studied the importance of
urban trees in alleviating the heat island effect in a hot and humid summer. In the
Gaza Strip, work on flora and other vegetation elements seems to be limited (Bolous,
1959; Madi 2001 and 2005; Madi et al., 2002; Ali-Shtayeh and Jamous, 2000, 2002,
2006; Abd Rabou et al., 2008; Abou Auda et al., 2009; Abou Auda, 2010, 2011,
2012). For example, Abd Rabou et al. (2008) studied the common flora of Wadi
Gaza ecosystem in the middle of the Gaza Strip. They provided notes on the possible
4
uses of floristic species by the Palestinian community. Recently, El-Hissi (2012)
studied the effect of tree shade on the thermal performance of residential buildings in
the Gaza Strip. According to her study, the best tree configurations (trees geometries,
crown size, locations near building, and numbers) have been targeted to achieve
thermal comfort in both summer and winter seasons.
No previous studies regarding the survey, diversity and assessment of median trees
and shrubs were known to be carried out in the Gaza Strip. Hence, the current study
can be considered the first of its kind locally.
1.2 Objectives
Main Objective:
The current study aims at surveying and assessing of median trees and shrubs as an
urban biodiversity component in Gaza City, Palestine.
Specific Objective:
a) To identify the various species of median trees and shrubs in five targeted
streets in Gaza City.
b) To investigate the public awareness towards median trees and shrubs through
meetings, discussions and questionnaire application.
1.3 Problems
a) There are no previous studies dealing with urban plant diversity in the Gaza
Strip.
b) The management and conservation of processese median trees and shrubs in
Gaza City are weak.
c) The ecological awareness of local people towards median trees and shrubs
seems to be weak.
1.4 Significance
The significance of the current study comes from the fact that it will be the first
attempt of its kind in the Gaza Strip. It will identify and give useful information
5
about the status of street plants in the Gaza city. Moreover, the results of the current
study will be of utmost priority to both officials and people in terms of knowledge,
management, uses, protection and possible future research.
2 Chapter II
Literature Review
7
Chapter II
Literature Review
2.1 Definition of Biodiversity
Street and park trees and shrubs are a vital component of urban biodiversity.
Generally the term biodiversity applies to plants and animals but it also applies to
insects, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity. There are three levels of
biodiversity: Genetic diversity – the variety of genetic information contained in
individual plants, animals and microorganisms; species diversity – the variety of
species, and ecosystem diversity – the variety of habitats, ecological communities
and ecological processes (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010).
2.2 Street Trees
Street tree is a tree located next to or within a public road. More precisely, a street
tree is a tree located on land forming or adjacent to a „highway‟ which affects, in
some way, those using that highway (Dandy, 2010). As far as median trees and
shrubs are concerned, they are known to provide such vial benefits. They beautify the
street with attractive landscaping, establish a sense of and/or serve as a gateway to a
community, absorb storm water and decrease the burden on existing storm drainage,
improve air quality, calm traffic speeds by creating a narrower-feeling street, and
provide a mid-block refuge for pedestrians crossing streets (Parks et. al., 2013).
2.3 Benefits of Street Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs play an important role in the functioning of cities and other urban
areas and provide a series of ecological, environmental, economical, aesthetical,
cultural, psychological, medical and social benefits. In long term, they often create a
very real „sense of place‟ and enhance the public domain. Trees are living things that
work all day, every day, for all of us to improve our environment and quality of life.
The list of benefits provided by street trees and shrubs is long and diverse as
compiled from various literature and publications.
8
2.3.1 Environmental Benefits:
Trees and shrubs have significance importance to the environment that act as natural
pollution filters that removing atmospheric pollutants, reducing heat island effect and
increasing biodiversity.
1. Improved air quality: Urban vegetation, particularly trees and shrubs, helps keep
the air clean by removing atmospheric pollutants – mainly generated by traffic
and industry – such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide
and particulate matter. Trees and shrubs act as natural pollution filters that
produce oxygen, an element essential to life on Earth, and also absorb (carbon
dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide, ozone and nitrogen oxide) from the atmosphere
through the stomata in the leaf surface. As the years go by, trees store large
amounts of CO2 in their tissues and in this way reduce greenhouse gases
involved in global warming by a significant amount. They also capture and help
remove particulate matter and dust from the air (McPherson et. al., 2007;
Nagendra and Gopal, 2010; Boroondara City Council, 2010; Ajuntament de
Barcelona, 2011; Ulrich, 2011; Woollahara, 2014).
2. Improving water and soil quality and regulation of the water cycle in the city:
Trees and other plants help remediate soils at landfills and other contaminated
sites by absorbing, transforming, and containing a number of contaminants.
Trees divert captured rainwater into the soil, where bacteria and other
microorganisms filter out impurities. This reduces urban runoff and the amount
of sediment, pollutants, and organic matter that reach streams (Alliance for
community tree, 2011). Each part of a tree, and the permeable soil below
it, retains significant amounts of rainwater. The roots also fix the soil and
thus prevent erosion. The leaves, trunks and roots of trees retain pollutants
and therefore reduce their concentration in waterways (Boroondara City
Council, 2010; Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011).
3. Climate control and reducing heat island effect: Vegetation, particularly trees,
tempers climatic conditions and modifies the urban microclimate, mainly by
cooling through shade and transpiration. In addition, the reflection of sunlight
by the leaves lowers the temperature in pedestrian areas and the shade
protects people from the sun, especially during the hottest months. Selected
9
tree species must be able to a make significant contribution towards providing
essential shade, reducing glare and ultra-violet radiation. Trees that have a wide,
dense, summer canopy perform this function most effectively. Additionally, the
evapo-transpiration of the leaves provides a cooling effect of the air surrounding
the trees. Broad leafed species are more effective in this regard due to the larger
surface area of the leaves (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011; US EPA, 2015).
4. Reduction of noise pollution: Trees, and plants in general, help to attenuate
noise pollution in several ways: by absorption, diversion, reflection and
refraction of sound, which reduce the reverberation caused by the noise of
cars on the facades. They also have the particularity of muffling annoying
sounds while making agreeable ones (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011;
McPherson et. al., 2000, 2001).
5. Increase in biodiversity: The planting of different species of street trees,
especially species bearing fruit at different times of the year, increases
urban vegetal biodiversity and provides food and shelter for many animals,
especially birds (Nagendra and Gopal, 2010; Boroondara City Council, 2010;
Alliance for community tree, 2011; Farley, 2013; Moro, et al. 2014).
2.3.2 Sicioeconomic Benefits
Trees and shrubs have many cocioeconomic values as follows:
1. Economical Benefits:
Trees (especially large ones) help to make the city more beautiful and increase
the value of homes. The shade and microclimate generated by street trees
reduces the amount of energy consumed by air conditioning in adjacent
buildings and, as a direct result, the cost of air conditioning in homes, especially
on the lower floors. Also, increasing the attractiveness of businesses and tourism
areas; So people typically linger, shop and dine longer in tree-lined streets, shops,
apartments and housing in well planted areas usually attract higher rents and
sale prices (Maco and McPherson, 2003; McPherson et. al., 2003, 2007;
Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011; Alliance for community tree, 2011; Boroondara
City Council, 2010; Woollahara, 2014).
10
2. Social and Psychological Benefits:
Trees contribute to good mental health by improving people‟s quality of
life and well-being and establishing links between people and nature. Park users
report lower levels of anxiety and sadness after visiting parks. Exercising in
natural environments is associated with greater feelings of revitalization and
positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger, depression, and
increased energy. Hospital patients, for example, are shown to recover quicker
and with fewer complications when in rooms with views of trees. Workers and
students are also shown to be more productive when their environments have
views to trees; Trees create individual landscapes and contribute shapes, colors
and seasonal variability that help define streets and even whole neighborhoods.
Moreover, trees are a reminder of the city‟s history (Nagendra and Gopal, 2010;
Boroondara City Council, 2010; Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011; Woollahara,
2014).
3. Connection to nature and the human senses:
Urban street trees provide a canopy, root structure and setting for important
insect and bacterial life below the surface; at grade for pets and romantic people
to pause for what pets and romantic people pause for; they act as essential lofty
environments for song birds, seeds, nuts, squirrels and other urban life. Indeed,
street trees so well establish natural and comfortable urban life it is unlikely we
will ever see any advertisement for any marketed urban product, including cars,
to be featured without street trees making the ultimate dominant, bold visual
statement about place (Burden, 2006).
4. Decreasing asthma and obesity:
Trees filter airborne pollutants and reduce the conditions that cause asthma and
other respiratory problems (Ellaway, et. al., 2005; Alliance for community tree,
2011).
5. Roads and traffic benefits (safety value):
Traffic calming and accident reduction that generate significant public costs
savings, and boosted pedestrian use of urban arterials, Trees improve driving
safety that crash rates across urban arterial and highway sites after landscape
improvements were installed and tree shade has been proven to reduce pavement
11
fatigue, cracking rutting, shoving and other distress, saving on repair costs
(McPherson et.al., 2005; Alliance for community tree, 2011).
2.4 Balance Between Native and Exotic Street Tree Selection:
There is much debate about the use of locally indigenous species, that are
originally grew within the area. Whilst locally indigenous species may be the most
appropriate for local environmental conditions, the growing conditions within the
urban environment are often now very different, particularly in a street situation.
Disturbed soil profiles, compaction, higher nutrient status, altered drainage patterns
and paved surfaces are just a few of the problems with which urban trees must
contend. When addressing this issue, a more useful division may be to view this
point three ways: Locally indigenous natives; natives from other parts of the country
and exotics trees being from outside of the country (Moro et al. 2014 and
Woollahara, 2014).
Local natives have the advantage of being climatically suited and live in some
equilibrium with native pest organisms such as insects and fungi. Use of local natives
promotes biodiversity and creation of wildlife corridors, reinforces sense of place,
and can be very drought and exposure resistant. Exotics may be almost completely
free of native pests and diseases but run the risk of being devastated if other
exotic pests are accidentally introduced. An important advantage of exotics in the
urban context is that they include many useful deciduous trees which provide greater
solar access to the streets through the winter months. Some natives are deciduous but
generally in spring or early summer (Moro et al. 2014 and Woollahara, 2014).
2.5 Irrigation:
The method and amount that is applied may vary depending upon soil composition,
heat, wind, planted in turf or ground cover, and periods of abnormal rainfall or in
poorly drained soils (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011; SDOT, 2014 and Wikipedia,
2015). There are many watering methods used for street trees and shrubs as follows:
1. Automated watering system: refers to the operation of the system with no or just
a minimum of manual intervention beside the surveillance. Almost every system
(drip, sprinkler, surface) can be automated with help of timers, sensors or
12
computers or mechanical appliances. It makes the irrigation process more
efficient and workers can concentrate on other important farming tasks. On the
other hand, such a system can be expensive and very complex in its design and
may needs experts to plan and implement it.
2. Drip loop system: also known as trickle irrigation is an irrigation method that
saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants,
either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone, through a network of
valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. It is done through narrow tubes that deliver
water directly to the base of the plant.
3. Hand watering systems: is the simplest and most common irrigation system that
is a garden hose or a portable sprinkler that use a nozzle to control the flow.
When water stops being absorbed into the ground, move to another location, wait
an hour, and then plunge a long screwdriver or space into the ground to check
that the soil is moist.
4. Flood watering: is an ancient method of irrigating crops. It was likely the first
form of irrigation used by humans as they began cultivating crops and is still one
of the most commonly used methods of irrigation used today. Very simply, water
is delivered to the field by ditch, pipe, or some other means and simply flows
over the ground through the crop. Although flood irrigation is an effective
method of irrigation it is certainly not efficient compared with other options.
5. Soaker hose: is a porous garden hose. Water flows through the hose and seeps
slowly out through the walls.
2.6 Structural Soils:
Structural soil is basically a mixture of gravel and soil and should meet two
requirements; the gravel fraction should provide a skeletal structure that transfers
loads from paved surfaces to the subsoil, and the soil fraction in the voids between
the stones should provide the possibility of root growth. In addition to opening up
soil volumes under paved surfaces for root growth, structural soils were also thought
to reduce sidewalk damages caused by shallow root systems because they would
enable roots to explore deeper soil layers (Kopinga, 1994, Nicoll and Armstrong,
1998).
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2.7 Tree Selection Depending on the Tolerance of the Urban
Environment and other Criteria
In spite of the fact that trees have a vital contribution to make towards the creation of
a healthier physical environment within cities, there are a number of factors which
influence the selection of tree species in any given location within cities. Selected
tree species must have a high level of tolerance/adaptability of the following:
1. Sustainability: Each tree species offers a series of environmental benefits.
Examples are the selection of species for large avenues capable of retaining
large quantities of dust and other pollutants produced by traffic, or the choice
of shade trees that cool the air in summer, especially in areas with a lot of
pedestrians. Increasing the diversity of trees in the city and making sure
that the selected species do not exceed 15% of the total number of street
trees not only makes for a greater biodiversity of trees but also of associated
fauna. And an increase in tree diversity in the city reduces their vulnerability
to pests and diseases (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011; Sadeghian et al.,
2013).
2. Public-friendliness: It is important to choose species that do not cause any
inconvenience. Trees that have thorns, cause allergies or break easily are best
avoided (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011).
3. Climate: In addition to the prevailing climate, there are particular micro-
climatic conditions that exist within the urban environment – wind tunnels,
constant shade from buildings, radiated heat and glare from concrete and
paved surfaces, and humidity (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011; Sadeghian et
al., 2013; Woollahara, 2014).
4. Soil: Soils that are highly modified or disturbed, with low nutrient content
and water-holding capacity. Paved surfaces and soil compaction also result in
low levels of oxygen being available to the tree roots (Sadeghian et al., 2013;
Woollahara, 2014).
5. Atmospheric pollution; particularly in areas of high vehicular traffic. In
general, deciduous species are considered to be more tolerant than evergreen
species (Sadeghian et al., 2013; Woollahara, 2014).
14
6. Tolerance of pests and diseases: This implies that chemical control is kept to
minimum. It is also recognized that it is important to have a diversity of tree
species to reduce the impact of a particular pest or disease on any one species
(Sadeghian et al., 2013; Woollahara, 2014).
7. Wildlife habitat: In areas where there is significant wildlife, selected tree
species will help to support that wildlife with regard to habitat, shelter and
food source. This function is best performed by local indigenous species. It is
recommended to select street trees that create a more diverse landscape,
with more variety in shapes, scents, colors and tones of both the leaves and
the flowers, which help to attract associated fauna. Indigenous and local
species are best planted where they are considered to be most appropriate, for
instance, along streets that are identified as wildlife corridors/eco- zones
(Woollahara, 2014).
8. Low risk of becoming an environmental weed: Species which pose the danger
of becoming environmental weeds are not recommended to be considered
(Sadeghian et al., 2013).
9. Aesthetic issues: It is worth mentioning that the ability for trees and shrubs to
enhance the visual amenity of a streetscape or area is respected (Boroondara
City Council, 2010; Virginia Tech. Department of Forest Resources &
Environmental Conservation, 2010; Sadeghian et al., 2013).
10. Tree longevity: The longer a tree is allowed to grow in a certain site, the
greater the benefits to the landscape the tree will have (Boroondara City
Council, 2010).
11. Availability: Street tree species selection needs to consider their commercial
availability in order to provide the desired numbers and size for tree planting
programs (Boroondara City Council, 2010; Virginia Tech. Department of
Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation, 2010).
12. Functional and spatial issues include the trees ability to be pruned so
as to provide required clearances. It also relates to the trees root system
and its limited impact on adjacent infrastructure. Certain species have been
identified as more problematic than others in causing pavement damage
(Boroondara City Council, 2010).
15
13. The surroundings: The available space determines how trees grow.
Depending on how close they are to buildings, the width of the street and the
pavements, the volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and so on,
appropriate species are selected in terms of the size of the tree. This cuts
down on the need for pruning and lengthens the life of the tree (Ajuntament
de Barcelona, 2011).
14. Seasonal variations: The seasonal changes in trees can be aesthetically
pleasing and also help to identify the place where they grow. For this
reason, the selection process takes into account flowering time, whether
species are deciduous or evergreen, changes in leaf color, textures, bark
patterns and colors, and also the smells trees give off (Sadeghian et al.,
2013 and Woollahara, 2014).
2.8 Pest Control and Pruning of Street Trees
Trees are living organisms subject to constant pressure, particularly in urban areas.
The problems of monocultures, soil compaction, poor drainage and aeration, high
soil pH, road salt and limited rooting space are common to numerous sites and can
have severe consequences on tree growth (Bassuk et al., 1988 and Nannini et
al.1998).
During the different stages of their life cycles, street trees have to deal with
numerous attacks, some more serious than others. Their intensity and duration
inevitably affects the health of the tree. Trees are sometimes affected by
physiological changes (caused by the weather, nutritional deficiencies,
poisoning, burns, physical injuries) or may be attacked directly by pests and
diseases (viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, mites, etc.) (Ajuntament de
Barcelona, 2011).
It is common to treat pests and diseases affecting urban greenery using chemicals in
the same way as crops. However, integrated pest management (IPM), is commonly
used worldwide especially in the developed world. It considers not only economic
criteria but also ecological and toxicological ones. IPM rejects the principle of
16
eradication of populations and tolerates the presence of insects, mites and other
pathogens at a low level, while they do not reach a level (the economic threshold)
where there is the threat of financial loss (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011).
Pruning of street trees is usually required to minimize obstructions with other
transportation infrastructure (streetlights, traffic signals, signs, etc.) while ensuring
the health and natural growth habit of street trees. According to Ajuntament de
Barcelona (2011), major pruning means removal of branches two inches in diameter
or greater; removal of roots two inches in diameter or greater; or removal of branches
constituting more than 15 percent of a tree‟s foliage–bearing area.
2.9 Street Trees Problems of Urban Environment
Although trees present benefits, they may also present problems, costs and risks,
particularly if poorly planned, planted or managed. The most common problems
including street trees are: cracking and lifting of pavement and walls; clogging of
pipes and services; obstruction of views; obstruction of pedestrian and vehicle access
and street signage; dropping of leaves and fruit; attraction of animals and birds that
may cause mess and irritation; shedding of larger branches and excessive shading or
blocking of sunlight. Appropriate maintenance and pruning can often alleviate
most concerns, and appropriate repair or redesign of infrastructure can also be
undertaken with little impact to the tree and the tree can continue its valuable
contribution for many decades (Hauer et al., 1994 and Woollahara, 2014).
2.10 Previous Studies
Studies concerning street trees and plants worldwide are enormous. Many of them
are concerned with the attitudes of the different parties toward the plantation,
diversity and conservation of these urban biodiversity elements. Some are concerned
with wildlife and other environmental interactions.
Studies in the United States of America (U.S.A.) are very advanced and numerous.
Kalmbach et al. (1979) surveyed the resident social attitudes toward selected
characteristics of street tree plantings in five Midwestern cities of Michigan and
17
Illinois. The study indicated that trees are aesthetically desirable in urban settings and
that street trees over twenty-five feet tall area esthetically preferable to smaller trees.
Gorman (2004) conducted a questionnaire-based study on 676 residents of State
College, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in order to determine whether there was a difference
of opinion on the value of street trees among urban residents depending on whether
residents had a street tree planted directly in front of their house. McPherson et al.
(2005) studied the effects of street tree shade on asphalt concrete pavement
performance in Modesto, California, U.S.A. Statistical analyses found that tree shade
was partially responsible for reduced pavement fatigue cracking, rutting, shoving,
and other distress. Raupp et al. (2006) studied street tree diversity in eastern North
America and its potential for tree loss to exotic borers. Introduced pests with broad
host ranges may be capable of killing or forcing intervention on large numbers of
trees. Merse et al. (2008) studied street trees and urban renewal in Baltimore, U.S.A.
They showed that investing in “green infrastructure” not only contributes to a healthy
ecosystem but offers economic and social benefits as well. This study actually
examined how the lessons and challenges of the past may help Baltimore realize its
ambitious goals for the future. Prioleau (2010) studied if mature street trees can pose
a greater hazard risk across socioeconomic lines in three northern New Jersey
suburban neighborhoods: Montclair, Teaneck, and Englewood. The results of the
study suggested that some of the tree hazard and hazard potential do vary based on
socioeconomic conditions of the three towns evaluated.
Vila-Ruiz et al. (2014) studied Plant species richness and abundance in residential
yards across a tropical watershed in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.They
gathered information on vegetation composition and abundance of woody species
(i.e., trees, shrubs, palms, ferns) and large herbs (>2 m height), species origin (native
vs. introduced), and species uses (ornamental, food, and medicinal plants). A total of
383 woody species were recorded, with shrubs being the most abundant plant habitat.
Moroa et al. (2014) evaluated how much the treescape in Fortaleza (the fifth largest
city in Brazil) is aligned with the policy of valorization of native biodiversity. To
account how much of the native flora was present in the surrounding treescape, the
18
researchers made an inventory of the trees in streets, squares and backyards around
the vegetation and compared with the native flora of the vegetation fragment.
In Australia, Frank et al. (2006) studied street tree population of greater Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia at the beginning of the 21st century. A total of 922,353 trees,
comprising 1127 taxa, were captured in this superset of data. Australian native plants
made up the majority of the trees with 60% of the total. Lucke et al. (2011) studied,
assessed and quantified the permeable pavements to promote street tree health, to
minimize pavement damage and to reduce storm water flows in Australia; Three
separate paving configurations were used in the field trials; two pavements
were constructed as permeable pavements and the third was constructed as a
typical impermeable pavement. Initial experimental results suggested that trees
planted with permeable pavement surrounds generally have a higher growth-rate than
trees planted with impermeable surfaces.
Different studies regarding street plant were carried out in Europe. In Spain, Noe et
al. (2008) studied monoterpene emissions from 11 widespread ornamental tree
species (three conifers and nine angiosperms) in urban areas of Barcelona, Spain.
They found significant monoterpene emissions in all studied species, with
normalized emission potentials. Jimenez et al. (2012) studied the genetic
characterization of the available germplasm Fig tree (Ficus carica) in southern
Spain. The aim of the study was the recovery and conservation of possible local
varieties for ecological production.
Bühler et al. (2007) studied the growth of street trees in Copenhagen, Denmark with
emphasis on the effect of different establishment concepts. The results provide
evidence that vitality of recently established street trees in Copenhagen generally is
on an acceptable level. Gerhardt (2010) studied and surveyed the urban tree
management in local authorities in Germany through the application of an e-mailed
online questionnaire. The results revealed a little developed level of planned
and strategic urban tree management in German local authorities. Calin and Bala
(2013) studied the effects of different rooting substrates and rooting growth
19
enhancers on the rooting of Ficus benjamina cuttings in Romania. The conclusion of
the study showed that rooting and development in Ficus spp. depended mostly on
both the quality of the culture substrate and the amount of assailable nutrients in the
culture substrate.
As far as Asia is concerned, many studies regarding plant species diversity and
assessment are available. For example, Corlett (2005) studied the interactions
between birds, fruit bats and 29 exotic plant taxa in urban Hong Kong, South China.
Most interactions involved frugivory. The fruiting phenologies of the exotic species
differed considerably from those of the local flora, with fruit of some species
available for the majority of the year. Nagendra et al. (2010) studied the density,
diversity, composition and distribution of street trees in Bangalore, India. They find
the density of street trees in Bangalore to be lower than many other Asian cities.
Species diversity is high, with the most dominant species accounting for less than
10% of the overall population. Older trees have a more diverse distribution with
several large sized species, while young trees come from a less diverse species set,
largely dominated by small statured species with narrow canopies, which have a
lower capacity to absorb atmospheric pollutants, mitigate urban heat island effects,
stabilize soil, prevent ground water runoff, and sequester carbon. This was found to
have serious implications for the city‟s environmental and ecological health.
Sreetheran et al. (2011) studied street tree inventory and tree risk assessment of
selected major roads in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The survey was conducted to
collect comprehensive information on tree structure, species composition, species
diversity, and tree defects and disorders. Sadeghian and Vardanyan (2013) studied
the criteria for selecting trees and shrubs in urban parks of Isfahan.The study pointed
out that the trees in the urban environment are subjected to a number of stresses
which are very different from those suffered by trees in typical rural conditions. The
stresses listed in this study should be a basis for the selection criteria used in
urban tree improvement programs.
Al-Mana and Ahmad (2010) studied the trunk's deformity of date palm trees used in
street landscape in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in order to investigate their cases and to
identify factors contributing to their distortion. The study showed that date palm tree
20
trunks used in the landscape of the streets were affected by damage and deformity at
different heights on the trunk. Several fungal species were isolated and identified to
be the causes of such deformity. The occurrence of these problems was attributed to
some irrigation systems that were used improperly and resulted in water reaching
directly to the palm trunks.
In Egypt, Fahmy et al. (2010) studied the best criteria in choosing the position and
type of trees to be planted in urban areas in Cairo, Egypt in order to test the
improvement of microclimate in two urban sites either for pedestrians or for indoor
inhabitants without source data for its foliage characteristics. El An- sary and El-
Ansary (2013) studied the genetic diversity and biochemical activity of leaves and
fruits among nine Ficus spp. (Ficus retusa, F. dejentle, F. golden, F. religiosa, F.
trigonata, F. carica, F. sycamorus, F. elastica and F. benjamina) using 15 RAPD
primers. The results showed high polymorphism among all primers. The analyses of
biochemical activities showed the Egyptian grown Ficus spp. is a rich source of
antioxidants for human health and pharmaceutical industry. El-Ghani et al. (2013)
studied the weed flora in the reclaimed lands along the northern sector of the Nile
Valley in Egypt. They recorded 150 species in the monitored 19 sites. Redundancy
analysis demonstrated the effect of soil organic matter, coarse sand, fine sand, silt,
and soil saturation point on the spatial distribution of weed communities.
In the occupied Palestine, Shashua-Bar (2010) studied microclimate modeling of
street tree species effects within the varied urban morphology in Tel Aviv. The study
indicated the importance of urban trees in alleviating the heat island effect in a hot
and humid summer. The tree cooling effect was found to be strongly related to the
built form geometry.
In Palestine, different studies have been reviewed regarding the plant and floristic
surveys in the West Bank. Jaradat (2005) studied ethnopharmacological survey of
natural products in Palestine, where the herbal products used in the Palestinian folk
medicine were investigated and recorded. The study pointed out that the reservation
of endangered medicinal plant species as well as clinical investigation of these plants
21
is highly required. Adam (2007) studied the effects of different vegetation cover on
runoff and soil erosion in Hebron city of the West Bank of Palestine. The results
showed that a forestation and natural vegetation dominated with S. spinosum
have a key role in preventing or decreasing the risk of runoff and soil erosion.
Although, two years are insufficient time to evaluate the influence of removing
S . spinosum on water runoff and soil erosion, due to high climatic variability
and complex relationship between the factors that affect the amount of water
runoff and soil erosion, but the result, herein constitute the first step toward
more detailed and future comprehensive studies to the benefit of the inhabitants
at the study. Kaileh et al. (2007) studied the indigenous Palestinian medicinal plants
for potential anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity, where organic extracts of 24
selected plant species used by Palestinian traditional healers to treat different
illnesses and diseases, were tested for their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor
activities. Alkowni and Sawalha (2012) studied biotechnology for conservation of
Palestinian medicinal plants; using MS-media with specific plant growth regulators.
Protocols for enhancing callus culturing, organogenesis and micropropagation
of these tentatively threatened wild plants were developed and optimized during
the succeeding stages of this study.
Studies on flora and ornamental plant in the Gaza Strip seem to be few. Abd Rabou
et al. (2008) studied the common flora and its uses in Wadi Gaza, Gaza Strip. They
identified 70 plant species belonging to 32 families and 24 orders. Many of which
have been used as street plants in the Gaza Strip (Personal Observations). They
pointed out that the natural flora of Wadi Gaza was commonly used in different ways
as a food source, herbal medicine, fodder for grazing animals and timber and fuel
production. Abou Auda et al. (2009) studied the flora and plant life forms of Wadi
Gaza area, Gaza Strip. They recorded 219 plant species belonging to 167 genera and
55 families. The most abundant family was the Compositae, which comprised 34
plant species (15.5%). El-Hissi (2012) studied the microclimatic effects of trees on
thermal performance of residential buildings in the Gaza Strip. The study concluded
that choosing the optimum trees configuration depends on many factors including
site orientation, building shape, soil type, tree shape and foliage, and the number and
22
location of trees. The study showed that the choosing the optimum trees number and
locations can reduce annual energy consumption by about 10%-18%. Hamad and
Mousa (2013) did a recent and modest study on the ornamental plants prevailing in
the main campus of the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG), Gaza Strip. They recorded
38 species, with the Rosales family representing 21.1% of the species encountered.
The study recommended the enhancement and sustainable management of plant life
in the IUG. El-Kichaoui et al. (2013) carried out a study aiming at optimizing and
applying a reliable molecular marker protocol for genotyping and identification of
six date palm cultivars in the Gaza Strip using random amplification of polymorphic
DNA.
3 Chapter III
Methodology
24
Chapter III
Methodology
3.1 Materials and Methods
3.1.1 Historic Palestine
The total area of the historic Palestine is 27,009 km². The area of the West Bank is
5844 km² and constitutes 21.6% of the total area of the land of the historic Palestine.
The Gaza Strip, an area of 365 km², and constitutes 1.35% of the total area of the
historic Palestine.
Gaza Strip is a small area lies on the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, at
31°25′N 34°20′E. As shown in Figure (3.1), the Strip borders are; 51 km border
with the Occupied Palestine, and an 11 km border with Egypt, near the city of Rafah.
It is about 40 km long, and between 6 and 12 km wide, with a total area of 360 km2
(Ministry of Local Government, 2004). The Gaza Strip is one of the most populated
areas in the world, with an estimated population of about 1.9 (Palestinian Central
Bureau of Statistics – PCBS, 2014).
The study area has a typical semi-arid Mediterranean climate; hot in summer and
cold in winter. The average daily mean temperature ranges from 25ºC in summer to
13ºC in winter, with the average daily maximum temperature range from 29ºC to
17ºC and the minimum temperature range from 21ºC to 9ºC, in summer and winter
respectively.
The daily relative humidity fluctuates between 65% in daytime and 85% at night in
summer and between 60% and 80% respectively in winter (United Nations
Environmental Program – UNEP, 2003).The average maximum wind speed velocity
is about 3.9 m/s. In winter, the prevailing wind direction is southwest with an
average speed of 4.2 m/s and during summer the prevailing winds are from the
north-west sector. The average annual rainfall is 335 mm. The mean daily
evaporation in December is about 2.1 mm/d, rising to a maximum of 6.3 mm/d in
July (MedWestCoast, 2003).
25
Figure (3.1): Map of the Gaza Strip
3.1.2 Study Area
The Gaza City is the largest city in the Gaza Strip. The total area of Gaza city is 56
km2, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It has a
population of about 700 thousand of people, making it one of the largest cities in
Palestine (PCBS, 2014).
3.1.3 The Targeted Streets in the Gaza City
Five main streets in the Gaza city will be surveyed for the median trees and shrubs.
These are as follows (Figure 3.2):
1. Al-Jalaa Street: It extends from Salah Khalaph Street to Jamal Abd El-Naser
Street. It has a length of about 2990 m and a width of about 30 m. The
median is a softscape with a width is 4 m.
26
2. Al-Shuhada Street: It extends from Al- Kannal Street in the east to Al-
Majdal Street in the west. It has a length of about 1355 m and a width of
about 26 m. The median is a softscape with a width is 3 m.
3. Al-AqsaStreet: It extends from Jamal Abd El-Naser Street in the north to
Awni Al-Shawa Street in the south (Street 8). It has a length of about 1700 m
and a width of about 30 m. The median is a softscape with a width is 4 m.
4. Jamal Abd El-Naser (Al-Thalatheny) Street: It extends from Al-Rasheed
Street in the west to Asqola Square in the east. It has a length of about 3170
m and a width of about 30 m. The median is a softscape with a variable width
of about 1-4 m.
5. Awn Al-Shawa Street (Street 8): It extends from Salah El-Deen Street in the
east to Al-Rasheed Street in the west. It has a length of about 3730 m and a
width of about 30 m. The median is a softscape with a width is 4m.
Figure (3.2): Map of the targeted streets in Gaza City
27
3.1.4 Field Survey and Identification Tools
This survey carried out on five major streets in Gaza City; namely; Al-Jalaa Street,
Al-Shuhada Street, Al-Aqsa Street, Jamal Abd El-Naser (Al-Thaltheeny) Street and
Awn Al-Shawa street (Street 8). The various trees and shrubs species growing in the
medians of these streets were surveyed, counted and identified through frequent site
visits, observations, and discussions with local people and municipality officials
(Appendix 2). A specialized designed sheath was used to record the required data in
the field. A variety of texts and guidebooks (Karim and Quraan, 1986; Madi, 2001
and 2002; Ali-Shtayeh et al., 2003, 2012) referred to in order to identify median trees
and shrubs species in question; Expert determination; That ask someone else,
preferably an expert in the group in question and image comparison; These are
usually obtained from books, although webpage images have now become a very
useful resource.
3.1.5 Questionnaire Design and Application
A questionnaire (Appendix 1) was designed and applied in February 2016 in Gaza
City. The target group was the local people inhabiting along the five streets in
question. One hundred and eighty (180) people interviewed throughout the course of
this survey. The respondents individually interviewed and their responses was
recorded in the questionnaires. The validity of the questionnaire was tested by five
specialists in agricultural and environmental sciences to make the necessary
adjustments before its application (Appendix 3). The questionnaire piloted and the
questionnaire was further be modified to capture the concerns raised by the
respondents during the pre-test survey. All interviews conducted face to face by the
investigator himself. This will build trust between the interviewer and respondents
and minimize the source of error or bias. Most questions were yes/no and multiple
choice and open questions. During the survey, the interviewer explained to the
respondents any of the questions not clear to them. The questionnaire included
relevant information on personal profile of respondents, age, gender, education,
length of residence, type of residence and other vital questions.
28
3.1.6 Photography
A professional digital camera used to take photos regarding the different aspects of
field visits. These photos covered the existing tree and shrub species in the main
streets of Gaza City, problems facing them, in addition to the public use and attitudes
regarding the trees and shrubs in question.
3.1.7 Data Analysis
Data will be statistically analyzed using Exceland SPSS (Statistical Package for
Social Sciences Inc, Chicago, Illinois) computer programs. Means will be compared
by independent-sample t-test. Probability values (P) will be obtained from the
student's table of "t" and significance was at P < 0.05. Graphswill be plotted using
the programs in question.
4 Chapter IV
Results
30
Chapter IV
Results
4.1 Species Recorded
Gaza Streets harbors a mix of vascular plant species (ornamental, agricultural and
wild) belonging to the Divisions Coniferophyta (conifers) and Magnoliophyta
(flowering plants). A total number of 45 tree and shrub species were identified and
recorded in the targeted five streets of Gaza City involved in the current study. These
species belong to 25 families and 15 orders as illustrated in Table 4.1.
The Rosales was the biggest order and comprised 16% of the recorded species. The
second biggest order was the Lamiales which comprised 13% of the recorded species
then the Malvales and the Fabales where each of them comprised 11% (Figure 4.1).
The Moraceae was the biggest family and comprised 13% of the recorded species.
The second biggest family was the Malvaceae and comprised 11%of the recorded
species. These were followed by the Fabaceae and the Apocynaceae where each of
them comprised 7% (Figure 4.2).
4.2 Gymnosperms vs. Angiosperms
Gymnosperms were the first plants to have seeds. They are often referred to as
having naked seeds because they do not have flowers, and their seeds develop on the
surface of the reproductive structures of the plants rather than being contained in a
specialized ovary. In contrast, angiosperms or the flowering plants are the largest
group of plants on Earth. They include all plants that have flowers and account for
approximately 80% of all known living plants. Flowering plants are divided into
monocots (or monocotyledons, i.e. having seeds with one cotyledon) and dicots (or
dicotyledons, i.e. having seeds with two cotyledons) (Gibson and Gibson, 2006).
With regard to this categorization, only two species (4.44%) of the currently recoded
trees and shrubs belong to gymnosperms, while 43 species (95.56%) are
angiosperms. Based on the seed status, only six species are monocots, while 37
species are dicots (Table 4.1 and Figure 4.3).
31
4.3 Native vs. Exotic Species
Native plants are ones that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or
habitat without direct or indirect human intervention. In contrast, exotic plants are
any plants that do not naturally grow in an area. They find their way to an ecosystem
from a completely separate area, often via animals or human intervention (Gibson
and Gibson, 2006). With regard to trees and shrubs of the current study, only eight
species (17.39%) are described as native, while the rest species 37 (80.43%) are
exotic (Table 4.1 and Figure 4.4).
32
Table (4.1): Street tree and shrub species recorded in the Gaza city
Ara
bic
Nam
e
Fru
it o
r N
on
- F
ruit
NitaxE io EvitaN
Mo
no
cot.io
Dic
ot.
Common Name
Scientific
Name
Family
Order
*NF E G سش
Italian Cypress dAa
Evergreen
Cypress
Cupressus
sempervirens
Cupressaceae
Pinales
سش
لو أ
سش
هزش
NF E *G Monterey Cypress Cupressus
macrocarpa
F E M Date Palm خل الجلخPhoenix
dactylifera Arecaae Arecales
NF E M اضطبCalifornia Fan
Palm
Washingtonia
filifera
الوظلخNF
E M Umbrella Papyrus Cyperus
alternifolius Cyperaceae Poales
الوبNF
E M Spanish Dagger Yucca gloriosa
Asparagaceae
Asparagales
جلذ الوشNF
E M Mother-in-Law's
Tongue
Sansevieria
guinensis
صجبس
)صجشح
هشح(
NF E M Aloe
Aloe
succotrina Xanthorrhoeaceae
–الذفلخ
الذفل
NF N D Oleander
Nerium
oleander
Apocynaceae
Gentianales
دفلخ -لوؼخدفلخ صفشاء
NF E D Yellow Oleander
Cascabela
thevetia
الىبسسبNF
E D Large Num–Num Carissa
bispinosa
الؼطش أ
رفبح الجذش
الوذ
NF E D
Apple of Sodom -
Rubber Bush
Calotropis
procera Asclepiadaceae
أوبسب
األدشاش
NF E D Acacia
Acacia
cyanophylla
Leguminosae
Fabales
اسببثNF
E D Royal Poinciana -
Gulmohar
Ponciana
regia
–ألجزسب
اللجخ
NF E D
Lebbeck - Lebbek
Tree
naibibd abiibel
Fabaceae رجاب
NF E D
Rosewood and
Pride of Bolivia TbiTdAd ubiT
سظ
أفشم
)ثلزفسم(
NF E D Weeping Wattle
Peltophorum
africanum
33
Ara
bic
Nam
e
Fru
it o
r N
on
- F
ruit
NitaxE io EvitaN
Mo
no
cot.io
Dic
ot.
Common Name
Scientific
Name
Family
Order
األثلNF
N D Nile Tamarisk Tamarix
nilotica Tamaricaceae Violales
ثشاخخزىNF
E D Illawarra Flame
Tree or Flame Tree
Brachychiton
acerifolius
Malvaceae
Malvales
وشوذ
–ص
أدوش
NF E D Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis
وشوذ
الجذش,
وذ وش
السبدل أ
الطبطئ
NF E D Sea Hibiscus
Hibiscus
tilliaceus
وشوذ
الم
NF E D
Hibiscus SabbibAS
Malvaviscus
arboreus
الجبسبNF
E D Lagunaria Lagunaria
patersonii
فشضبح
الضجبج
NF E D Callistemon
Callistemon
citrinus Myrtaceae
Myrtales
بو
NF E D River Redgum
Eucalyptus
camaldulensis
دذبNF
E D Hopbush Dodonaea
viscose Sapindaceae
Sapindales
فلفل
ثشاصلF E D Brazilian Pepper
Schinus
terebinthifolius Anacardiaceae
صضلخذNF
E D White Cedar-
Chinaberry Tree-
Melia
azedarach
Meliaceae
فىس
إلسزىب
NF E D
Rubber Fig- Rubber
Tree Ficus elastic
Maedebdb
Rosales
فىس زذاNF
E D Weeping Fig -F icus
Tree FbeTi Abubad
فىس
–ثجبهب
هجشلص
NF E D
Benjamin Fig
'Starlight'
Ficus
benjamina
starlight
F N D Fig Tree Ficus carica ري
F N D Sycamore Fig جوضFicus
sycomorus
F N D Red Mulberry رد أدوشMorus
rubaram
-جك -سذس
روس -دمF N D Christ'sThornJujube
Zizyphus
spina–christi Rhamnaceae
جىشذاNF
E D Jacarand B - lue
Jacaranda -B lack
Jacaranda
mimosifolia Bignoniaceae
34
Ara
bic
Nam
e
Fru
it o
r N
on
- F
ruit
NitaxE io EvitaN
Mo
no
cot.io
Dic
ot.
Common Name
Scientific
Name
Family
Order
Poui
Lamiales
صزى
ثش
NF N D Wild-Olive Olea oleaster
Oleaceae F N D Common Olive Olea europaea صزى
دسزبNF
E D
Golden Dewdrop-
Pigeon Berry- sky
flower
Duranta
erecta Verbenaceae
ثضسهبNF
E D Boobialla MmaiaeTy
ibeeduTy Myoporaceae
الجذلبNF
E D Butterfly Bush-
Summer Lilac
Buddleja
americana Scrophulariaceae
صجبس أم اللجي
NF E D
Pencil Tree -P encil
Cactus
Euphorbia
tirucalli Euphorbiaceae
Malpighiales
أوبلفبNF
E D Philippines
Medusa -F ox Tail
Acalypha
hispida
خ جو )هجخ(
NF E D Veranera
Bougainvillea
spectabilis Nyctaginaceae Caryophyllales
ثزسجسمNF
E D Japanese
Pittosporum
Pittosporum
tobira Pittosporaceae Apiales
Figure (4.1): Orders of street trees and shrubs recorded in the current study.
35
Figure (4.2): Families of street trees and shrubs recorded in the current study [Others:
Cyperaceae, Xanthorrhoeaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Tamaricaceae, Sapindaceae,
Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Rhamnaceae, Bignoniaceae, Verbenaceae, Myoporaceae,
Scrophulariaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Nyctaginaceae, and Pittosporaceae]
Figure (4.3): Gymnosperm vs. Angiosperms (Monocot. and Dicot.) of trees and shrubs
of Gaza city streets
36
Figure (4.4): Native vs. Exotic trees and shrubs in Gaza city streets
4.4 Fruit vs. Non-fruit Species
In horticultural usage, the term "fruit tree" is limited to those that provide fruit for
human food. As many as seven species (15.56%) of the currently recorded trees and
shrubs are fruit ones in the sense that they can provide food for humans (Table 4.1
and Figure 4.5). Species that may provide fruits as food for animals are not
considered here.
Figure (4.5): Fruit vs. non-fruit trees and shrubs in Gaza city streets
37
4.5 Frequency of the Recorded Species
Table 4.2 and Figure 4.6 illustrate that a total number of 4060 trees and shrubs were
recorded in the five streets of the Gaza city involved in the current study. The
Oleander (Nerium oleander) was the most common species in the targeted streets. Its
frequency constituted 38.23% (n = 1552) of the occurrence of the recorded species.
This was followed by the River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), California Fan
Palm (Washingtonia filifera), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Hopbush (Dodonaea
viscosa) and Weeping Fig (Ficus nitida) which constituted 14.95% (n = 607), 9.95%
(n = 404), 7.54% (n = 306), 5.27% (n = 214) and 4.14% (n = 168) of the occurrence
of the recorded species respectively. The frequency of the rest of species recorded
varies from 0.02% to 2.54%.
Table (4.2): Numbers and percentages of the recorded species of street trees and
shrubs in the Gaza city
Relative
Abundance
Precentage
Total
stre
et
8
Al-
Aq
sa
Al-
Sh
uh
ad
aa
Jam
al
Ab
del
- N
ase
r
Al-
Jala
a
Arabic
Name Scientific Name
Cupressus sempervirens سش 2 0 0 0 3 5 0.12%
0.10% 4 4 0 0 0 0
سش لو
أ سش
هزش
Cupressus macrocarpa
Phoenixdactylifera خل الجلخ 33 88 3 81 101 306 7.54%
Washingtonia filifera اضطب 179 78 4 1 142 404 9.95%
Cyperus alternifolius الوظلخ 3 0 0 0 0 3 0.07%
Yucca gloriosa الوب 4 2 19 0 0 25 0.62%
Sansevieria guinensis جلذ الوش 0 0 11 0 0 11 0.27%
0.30% 12 12 0 0 0 0 صجبس )صجشح
هشح(Aloesuccotrina
38.23% 1552 435 290 107 237 483 –الذفلخ
الذفلNeriumoleander
0.76% 31 1 0 0 28 2 -دفلخ لوؼخ دفلخ صفشاء
Cascabela thevetia
38
Relative
Abundance
Precentage
Total
stre
et
8
Al-
Aq
sa
Al-
Sh
uh
ad
aa
Jam
al
Ab
del
- N
ase
r
Al-
Jala
a
Arabic
Name Scientific Name
Carissa bispinosa الىبسسب 0 0 0 6 0 6 0.15%
Calotropisprocera الؼطش 0 0 0 0 3 3 0.07%
0.10% 4 2 0 2 0 0 أوبسب
األدشاشAcacia cyanophylla
Ponciana regia ثاسبب 20 13 0 0 2 35 0.86%
0.20% 8 7 0 0 0 1 –ألجزسب
اللجخAlbizia lebbeck
Tipuana tipu رجاب 2 0 0 0 0 2 0.05%
1.82% 74 13 2 8 24 27 سظ أفشم
ثلزفسم()Peltophorum africanum
Tamarix nilotica األثل 0 1 0 0 4 5 0.12%
Brachychiton acerifolius ثشاخخزى 6 0 0 0 0 6 0.15%
2.54% 103 2 0 90 2 9
وشوذ
-ص
أدوش
Hibiscus rosa- sinensis
0.27% 11 0 0 5 0 6 وشوذ الجذش
أ الطبطئHibiscus tilliaceus
Malvaviscus arboreus وشوذ الم 0 0 2 0 0 2 0.05%
Lagunaria patersonii الجبسب 6 33 0 0 5 44 1.08%
0.47% 19 0 0 9 2 8 فشضبح
الضجبجCallistemon citrinus
Eucalyptus camaldulensis وب 181 60 152 134 80 607 14.95%
Dodonaea viscose دذب 114 0 0 49 51 214 5.27%
Schinus terebinthifolius فلفل ثشاصل 4 35 0 0 60 99 2.44%
Melia azedarach صضلخذ 7 0 0 0 15 22 0.54%
Ficus elastic فىس إلسزىب 4 0 0 0 0 4 0.10%
0.02% 1 0 0 0 1 0
فىس
–ثجبهب
هجشلص
Ficus benjamina starlight
Ficus nitida فىس زذا 72 56 3 12 25 168 4.14%
Ficus carica ري 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.02%
39
Relative
Abundance
Precentage
Total
stre
et
8
Al-
Aq
sa
Al-
Sh
uh
ad
aa
Jam
al
Ab
del
- N
ase
r
Al-
Jala
a
Arabic
Name Scientific Name
Ficus sycomorus جوض 3 0 0 0 13 16 0.39%
Morusrubaram رد أدوش 0 0 0 0 9 9 0.22%
Zizyphus vulgaris سذس 2 2 0 0 1 5 0.12%
Jacaranda mimosifolia جىشذا 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.02%
Olea oleaster ى ثشصز 4 0 0 0 4 8 0.20%
Olea europaea صزى 25 0 8 0 24 57 1.40%
Duranta erecta دسزب 5 7 95 0 0 107 2.64%
Myoporum serratum ثضسهب 0 2 0 0 0 2 0.05%
Buddleja americana الجذلب 0 1 0 0 0 1 0.02%
0.07% 3 1 0 0 2 0 صجبس أم اللجي
Euphorbia tirucalli
Acalypha hispida أوبلفب 0 0 4 0 0 4 0.10%
Pittosporum tobira ثزسجسم 0 0 2 0 0 2 0.05%
1.33% 54 0 0 0 54 0 جوخ ()هجخ
Bougainvillea spectabilis
100% 4060 1019
53.06%
575
16.33%
524
34.69%
728
42.86%
1214
59.13% Total
40
Figure (4.6): Numbers and percentages of the recorded species of street trees and
shrubs in the Gaza city
41
4.6 Tree and Shrub Species and their Counts per Individual Street
With regard to the streets investigated throughout the current study, the number of
tree and shrub species and their counts were variable. Table 4.2 and Figure 4.7
illustrate that the Al-Jalaa Street had the highest number of species (29) which
represents 59.18% of the whole species recorded in the targeted streets. The second
street in terms of species occurrence was Street 8 which harbors 26 species which
represents 53.06% of the whole species. In terms of the number of trees and shrubs
counted, the Al-Jalaa Street had the highest number of trees and shrubs (1214), while
Street 8 had 1019.
Figure (4.7): Tree and shrub species and their counts per individual street
As far as the commonest tree and shrubs species per Individual Street are concerned,
the Figures 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 and 4.12 display such occurrences. The figures in
question show that:
1. Al-Jalaa Street harbors 29 species of trees and shrubs with the Nerium
oleander scores the highest occurrence (483 = 39.79%). This was followed by
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (181 = 14.91%) and Washingtonia filifera (179,
14.74%).
42
2. The Jamal Abdel Naser Street harbors 21 species with the Nerium oleander
scores the highest occurrence (237 = 32.55%). This was followed by Phoenix
dactylifera (88 = 12.09%) and Washingtonia filifera (78, 10.71%).
3. The Al-Shuhada Street harbors 17 species with the Eucalyptus camaldulensis
scores the highest occurrence (152 = 29.01%). This was followed by Nerium
oleander (107 = 20.42%) and Duranta erecta (95 = 18.13%).
4. The Al-Aqsa Street harbors only 8 species with the Nerium oleanderscores
the highest occurrence (290 = 50.43%). This was followed by Eucalyptus
camaldulensis (134 = 23.30%) and Phoenix dactylifera (81, 14.09%).
5. Street 8 harbors 26 species with the Nerium oleander scores the highest
occurrence (435 = 42.69%). This was followed by Washingtonia filifera (142
= 13.94%) and Phoenix dactylifera (101, 9.91%).
43
Figure (4.8): Median trees and shrubs in Al-Jalaa Street
44
Figure (4.9): Median trees and shrubs in Jamal Abdel Naser Street
45
Figure (4.10): Median trees and shrubs in Al-Shuhada Street
46
Figure (4.11): Median trees and shrubs in Al-Aqsa Street
47
Figure (4.12): Median trees and shrubs in Street- 8
48
4.7 Notes on Median Trees and Shrubs
Evergreen Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens
The Evergreen Cypress is a coniferous evergreen tree which is very common in the
eastern Mediterranean region including Palestine. The plant is tolerance to drought,
strong wind, and maritime exposure. Itis planted as an ornamental tree along roads in
the Gaza Strip (Figure 4.13, A). It may reach a length of about 35 m. It is very long-
lived species, having scale-like leaves and ovoid or oblong seed cones. The male
cones release pollen in late winter. In spite of its low counts (n = 5), the plant in
many localities in the Gaza Strip seems to attract many bird species such as the
Hooded Crow Corvus corone.Green belts of the species were seen bordering
agricultural orchards to function as wind-breaks. The species is known to decrease
air pollutants as claimed by Gazans. The species is under actual threat due to
continuous cutting by the locals for different uses. Said et al. (2002) mentioned that
the fruit is used medicinally for diabetes and nervous system illnesses.
Monterey Cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa
Monterey Cypress is a medium-sized coniferous evergreen tree that is rarely seen in
Gaza streets (n = 4). The needle-like foliage grows in dense sprays which are bright
green in color and release a deep lemony aroma when crushed (Figure 4.13, B). The
species has been widely planted as an ornamental plant in various locations including
institutions, home yards and public parks in the Gaza Strip.
49
Figure (4.13): Order of Pinales, A: Evergreen Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), B:
Monterey Cypress (Cupressusmacrocarpa)
Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera
The Date Palm has long been one of the most important fruit crops in the arid region
of the Middle East. Dates are a main income source and staple food for Palestinians.
Many local, national or even regional food industries are dependent on dates of the
Gaza Strip. It is a resistant crop in terms of having minimum water demands. It
tolerates harsh weathers and high levels of salinity. Accordingly, the Ministry of
Agriculture established many projects in the Gaza Strip in order to propagate the
cultivation of Date Palm (Ministry of Agriculture, 2010). The Date Palm is a tree of
about 15-20 m in height. It has straight and non-branched stem and long pinnate
leaves that have visible spines (Figure 4.14, A).The species is a common tree among
street plants (n = 306). Many bird species have been found to use the plant in
different ways including nesting, resting, perching, foraging and feeding. Gazans
usually suffer from the attacks made by the Egyptian Fruit Bat Roussettus aegypticus
to their fruity trees including the Date Palm. The long leaves, which are called
locally as Sa'af or Jareed, are used as cleaning tools or in roofing recreational or
residential places. The trunks are usually used in building purposes or industry. Date
seeds have been used locally in the manner of coffee beans, or as an additive to
coffee. In medicine, the plant is known to be used to cure many illnesses such as
fevers, cystitis and edema. The ripen fruits enhance the contraction of the uterus
during delivery and hence mentioned in the Holly Qur‟an (Abd Rabou et al., 2008).
50
California Fan Palm, Washingtonia filifera
Similar to the Date Palm, the California Fan Palm is a very common found
everywhere in the Gaza Strip including the targeted study streets (n = 404). It is
planted as an ornamental tree in streets, parks and parcels (Figure 4.14, B).It tolerates
salinity and drought. It grows up to 20 m. It has a sturdy columnar trunk and waxy
fan-shaped (palmate) leaves that attract many bird species including sparrows and
doves.The fruit is small and hard, but has a thin sweet pulp that tastes somewhat like
dates.
Figure (4.14): Order of Arecales, A: Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), B: California Fan
Palm (Washingtonia filifera)
Umbrella Papyrus, Cyperus alternifolius
The Umbrella Papyrus is a perennial evergreen plant that is commonly used as an
ornamental plant, with only three individuals have been recorded in Al-Jalaa Street
(Figure 4.15). The flowers of the plant grow on the edge of the leaf as an
umbrella.The plant favors moisture and as a result, it requires a wet environment.
Local people claimed that the problem with the species comes from its attraction to
flying insect.
51
Figure (4.15): Order of Poales, Umbrella Papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius)
Spanish Dagger, Yucca gloriosa
Spanish Dagger is an evergreen, perennial, shrub or tree cultivated as an architectural
or ornamental plant in Gaza Streets (n = 25). The plant is found locally to be widely
grown in yards, gardens, parks, cemeteries, and streets (Figure 4.16, A). It was
recorded throughout the study to grow up to 1 m though it is known to grow to
heights up to 5 m in its native lands. It is caulescent, usually with several stems
arising from the base. The leaves are straight and very stiff, growing to 30–50 cm
long. No pruning is needed for the plant other than the removal of its dead leaves.
Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Sansevieria guinensis
Mother-in-Law's Tongue is a stemless, evergreen, succulent and perennial plant with
leathery leaves that are variegated with grayish white transverse markings. It is rarely
seen in the targeted study streets (n = 11) though it is common ornamental plant in
homes, offices and other institutions due to its beauty value and its role in improving
indoor air quality as claimed by many inhabitants (Figure 4.16, B).
Aloe, Aloe succotrina
The Aloe plant is a common plant species in Gaza cemeteries and other wild areas.
As many as 12 individuals have been recorded in Street 8. Its leaves are large, thick
and fleshy (Figure 4.16, C).The plant is known to produce a tall raceme, bearing
52
shiny red flowers that are pollinated by birds.Traditionally, the plant was used in the
past as a weaning or ablactating promotion agent. Medicinally, Gazans used the plant
for treating various skin conditions, such as cuts, burns, and eczema, as well as
sunburn. The plant is also used as a laxative.
Figure (4.16): Order of Asparagales, A: Spanish Dagger (Yucca gloriosa), B: Mother-
in-Law's Tongue (Sansevieria guinensis), C: Aloe (Aloe succotrina)
Oleander - Rose Bay, Nerium oleander
Oleander is an evergreen shrub that grows with erect stems and narrow lanceolate
leaves to a height of 2–8 m. It is used as a very common ornamental shrub in Gaza
streets (n = 1552). The flowers are white, cream, yellow and pink to red (Figure 4.17,
A). They grow in clusters at the end of branches. The plant is unpalatable by grazing
animals. It is known locally as a highly poisonous to humans and animals. Its
ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension (low blood
pressure) and death as stated by Kirtikar et al. (1999).
Yellow Oleander, Cascabela thevetia
Yellow Oleanderis an evergreen, ornamental shrub that reaches to 5 m tall. The
plant is recorded in three of the targeted streets (n = 31) and known locally is
poisonous. The leaves are linear-lanceolate and the flowers are fragrant yellow and
53
funnel-shaped which are attractive to birds and insects; especially butterflies (Figure
4.17, B). Like the previously mentioned Oleander, all parts of the plant are toxic to
humans and animals.
Large Num–Num, Carissa bispinosa
A very few number of the Large Numhas been recorded in Al-Aqsa Street (n = 6).
The recorded shrubs have been seen to reach 0.5 m in height, though they were seen
elsewhere to grow up to 3 m. The branches of the plant are thorny and contain a
milky sap, while the flowers are small, white. The plant is popular as decorative
shrub as well (Figure 4.17, C).
Apple of Sodom - Rubber Bush, Calotropis procera
The Apple of Sodom or Rubber Bush is a very rare plant species in the Gaza Strip,
while it is common in the West Bank of Palestine. Only three individuals have been
recorded at the end of Street 8. It is a shrub or small tree up to 4 m high. The stem is
branched and thickly, while the leaves are large, decussate and obovate. The
inflorescence is multi-flowered. Fruits are ovoid and the seeds are light-brown,
broadly ovate, with silky hairs. A white milky sap is exuded from any wound part of
the plant (Figure 4.17, D).The plant seems to be very toxic as cattle often stay away
from it because of its unpleasant taste and its toxic characteristics. Finally, the
species was known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytostatic properties, and
the leaf, stem and root are utilized in traditional medicine for treatment of wounds,
sores and skin diseases, diarrhea, sinus and fistula (Kumar and Arya, 2006 and
Moronkola et al. 2011).
54
Figure (4.17): Order of Gentianales, A: Oleander (Nerium oleander), B: Yellow
Oleander (Cascabela thevetia), C: Large Num – Num (Carissa bispinosa) and
D: Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera)
Acacia, Acacia cyanophylla
The Acaciais a small, dense, spreading tree with a short trunk and a weeping habit. It
grows up to 5 m tall (Figure 4.18, A). Although it is rarely recorded in the targeted
streets (n = 4), the species among others is known to be extensively planted for
stabilization of sand dunes that characterize the west belt of the Gaza Strip (Abd
Rabou, 2011a and b). The yellow flowers appear in early spring and late winter. The
fruit is a legume, while the seed is oblong and black in color. Shepherds have been
noticed to graze their sheep and goats on the plant everywhere in the Gaza Strip. In
55
many occasions, goats were seen to attack the green buds of the plant in many streets
of the Gaza Strip. The shrubs were exploited as a fuel material by Gazans. The use of
leaves for medicinal purposes was also stated by locals to treat gastrointestinal
troubles or stomachinflammation (Abd Rabou et al., 2008).
Royal Poinciana, Ponciana regia
The Royal Poinciana is an exotic species that has been planted all over the world. It
is a deciduous and spectacular tree that is planted by Gazans as an ornamental tree
everywhere especially near human dwellings and in parks, though as many as 35
individuals have been recorded in the medians of the targeted streets of the Gaza city.
The plant may grow up 15 m in height. The canopy of the tree likes an umbrella. The
individual flowers have four spoon shaped orange-red petals (Figure 4.18, B).The
extensive, shallow root system makes it a good soil binder and suited to soil
conservation and erosion control. The plant is tolerant to drought and salty conditions
of the Gaza Strip as a coastal zone of the Mediterranean. Many bird species are
known to rest or nest on the plant such as the Yellow-vented Bulbul and the House
Sparrow.
Lebbeck, Albizia lebbeck
The Lebbeckis similar to the Royal Poinciana in being planted along roads and in
home gardens as an ornamental and avenue tree in the Gaza Strip. Only 8 individuals
have been recorded in the targeted streets. Itgrows up to 10 m tall. It has bipinnate
leaves and white flowers. The fruit is a pod 10–20 cm long, containing six to twelve
seeds (Figure 4.18, C).The species is valued for its shade, quality hardwood, fuel-
wood, honey (source of nectar and pollen), and erosion control. The various parts of
the plant are used in the treatment of leucoderma, itching, skin diseases, piles,
asthma, allergic disorders and bronchitis. Moreover, the many parts of plant are
recommended for the treatment of snake-bite (Sharma and Dubey 2015).
Rosewood, Tipuana tipu
Rosewood is a deciduous tree that resembles the Lebbeck in leaf style in that the
leaves are pinnately compound. It grows up to 3 m in height. Although the
56
Rosewood is a beautifully ornamental shade tree that is usually planted in streets
worldwide, only two individuals have been recorded in Al-Jalaa Street (Figure 4.18,
D). The flowers are bright yellow in color and the fruit is a legume (pod) with the
seeds lie at one end. The plant can withstand a very wide range of growing
conditions of salty soils and drought.
Weeping Wattle, Peltophorum africanum
Weeping Wattle is a common semi-deciduous to deciduous tree in the targeted
streets (n = 74) that has been found to grow up to 15 m. The leaves are similar in
shape to that of Poinciana, but they are yellowish at tip of branches. Flowers are
bright yellow with crinkled petals on the ends of branches (Figure 4.18, E).The tree
makes a good shade for both livestock and humans. The leaves and pods of the tree
are eaten by livestock, while the wood is good for fuel.
57
Figure (4.18): Order of Fabales, A: Acacia (Acacia cyanophylla), B: Royal Poinciana
(Ponciana regia), C: Lebbeck (kaiabai aEiiENA), D: Rosewood (TaiTiai taiT ( and E:
Weeping Wattle (Peltophorum africanum )
Nile Tamarisk, Tamarix nilotica
Nile Tamarisk is an evergreen shrub that grows to 3 m in height and forming dense
thickets. Although it is very common in the Gaza Strip; particularly in Wadi Gaza,
the species is rarely recorded in the targeted streets (n = 5). It usually grows on saline
soils. The leaves are scale-like and overlap each other along the stem (Figure 4.19).
The flowersappear in dense masses and have pink to white colors. In many
occasions, many people have been seen collecting the branches of the plant for fuel
purposes.
58
Figure (4.19): Order of Violales, F: Nile Tamarisk (Tamarix nilotica)
Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolius
Flame Tree is a semi-evergreen tree that is only recorded at the junction between al-
Jalaa and Jamal Abdel Nasser Streets (n = 6). The plant has simple palmate leaves
and bright red bell-shaped flowers (Figure 4.20, A). The trunk stores water, which
may make the plant resistant to drought.
Hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hibiscus or Red Hibiscus is a large ornamental shrub that grows up to 3 m tall. The
toothed leaves are arranged alternately on the branches and are ovate in shape. The
red flowers are very large which are attractive to butterflies, bees, and humming
birds (Figure 4.20, B). The plant is common in the targeted streets (n = 103), and is
well-known and loved by Gazans due to its distinctive red flowers. For this reason, it
is highly planted in streets, yards, parks and open areas. Many bird species;
especially passerines are usually found exploiting the plant for different purposes.
Examples are the Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis), Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus
collybita), House Sparrow or Dwiri (Passer domesticus), Greenfinch
(Caruelischloris) and the Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos). The
flowers are used internally in the treatment of arterial hypertension.
59
Sea Hibiscus, Hibiscus tilliaceus
Sea Hibiscusis an ornamental tree that is planted in streets in various locations in the
Gaza Strip; especially the coastal areas facing the Mediterranean. Only 11
individuals have been recorded in the targeted streets. It grows up to 3 m tall. Leaves
are large heart-shaped. The flowers are bright yellow with a deep red center upon
opening (Figure 4.20, C).Over the course of the day, the flowers deepen to orange
and finally red before the sunset. Medicinally, the plant is used against hypertension
and it has an antidepressant activity.
Sleeping Hibiscus, Malvaviscus arboreus
Sleeping Hibiscusis a good ornamental shrub that grows up to 2-3 m. Only two
samples have been recorded in Al-Shuhadaa Street. The flowers are bright-red and
hibiscus-like, but they are never fully open (Figure 4.20, D).Traditionally, the fruit
and flowers have been used to treat diarrhea.
Lagunaria (Pyramid Tree), Lagunaria patersonia
Lagunaria is an evergreen tree or shrub with a columnar to pyramidal shape that
grows up to 3 m, and is ideal for coastal and windy locations. The leaves are oval and
the flowers are pink to white that are of typical hibiscus shape. The flowers are
followed by brown capsules containing a number of black seeds (Figure 4.20, E).
The capsules contain white fibers, which can be very irritating if they get on the skin.
As many as 44 individuals have been recorded in the targeted streets.
60
Figure (4.20): Order of Malvales, A: Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), B:
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa- sinensis), C: Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tilliaceus), D: Sleeping
Hibiscus (Malvaviscus arboreus(, E: Lagunaria ( Lagunaria patersonii)
Callistemon, Callistemon citrinus
Callistemon is woody aromatic shrub that is globally grown as garden, street trees or
ornamental plant due to its decorative flowers (Figure 4.21, A). As many as 19
individuals have been recorded in the targeted streets, though the species is
commonly grown locally in yards of houses and different governmental institutions.
The leaves are lanceolate in arrangement and very aromatic. The flowers, which are
attractive to many bird species due to their richness in nectar, are borne in spikes
with prominent red stamens.
River Redgum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis
The Eucalyptus is a huge evergreen plant species that may grow up to 30 m tall. The
species is favored by Gazans because of its elegance and shade provision and hence
61
planted everywhere in the Gaza Strip including the streets in questions (n = 607). The
tree has a large, dense crown of lanceolate and dull blue-green leaves (Figure 4.21,
B). Ecologically, the plant supports many bird species to nest, rest and forage
including the Syrian Wood-pecker (Dendrocopos syriacus), Hooded Crow (Corvus
corone), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Laughing Dove (Streptopelia
sengalensis) and Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos). Many raptors
have been seen monitoring their preys from the large canopies of the Eucalyptus. The
timber of the species is used in furniture industry and coal production and for fuel
purposes as well. Green belts of the Eucalyptus are good windbreaks. The nectar of
the plant is beneficial to honeybee for the production of the best honey in the Gaza
Strip. The plant may be used to produce anesthetics and other medical products (Abd
Rabou et al., 2008).
Figure (4.21): Order of Myrtales, A: Callistemon (Callistemon citrinus), B: River
Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)
Hopbush, Dodonaea viscosa
Hopbush is a shrub growing to 1–3 m tall (Figure 4.22, A). It is very common in
Gaza streets including that in question (n = 214). The leaves are ovate, sessile and
alternate in arrangement. The flowers are yellow to orange-red.Gazans mentioned
62
that the species is favored because of its high tolerance to salinity, drought and
pollution. It is usually planted as a decorative shrub in various locations including
parks, hospitals and universities. Its high tolerance to strong winds makes it an
excellent windbreak element as well.
Brazilian Pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian Pepper is a small tree that grows to 3-7 m. It is very a common ornamental
plant in Gaza parks and streets including that in question (n = 99).
The leaves are pinnately compound, while the flowers are small white. The fruit is a
small, red and spherical, carried in dense clusters (Figure 4.22, B). Many passerines
usually feed on its fruits. Worldwide, the seeds can be used as a spice, adding
a pepper-like taste to food. Locally, the species is favored because of its high
tolerance to salinity, drought and pollution. Many Gazans have been seen utilizing
the shade made by this tree for rest purposes.
White Cedar, Melia azedarach
White Cedar is a tree that may reach up to 10 m in height. The plant is common in
the Palestinian environment including parks, gardens and streets. As many as 22
individuals have been recorded in the targeted streets. Current visits to many Gazan
cemeteries revealed that the plant is common and is preferred by Gazans due to its
attractiveness to songbirds. The leaves of the White Cedar are long-petioled and the
flowers grow in clusters. The fruit is a drupe and light yellow at maturity (Figure
4.22, C). The fruits of the plant are similar to that of the Christ's Thorn Jujube which
is known locally as Sidr or Nabaq. The fruits may be poisonous to humans if eaten
in quantity as told by locals. Birds utilizing these fruits may spread the seeds in their
droppings.
63
Figure (4.22): Order of Sapindales, A: Hopbush (Dodonaea viscose), B: Brazilian
Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), C: White Cedar (Melia azedarach)
Rubber Fig, Ficus elastic
Rubber Fig is an ornamental plant that is commonly planted in the Gaza Strip,
though only four individuals have been recorded in Al-Jalaa street. It may reach a
height of about 15 m (Figure 4.23, A). Aerial roots usually develop in the plant in
order to anchor it in the soil and to help support heavy branches. Its broad
oval leaves are a characteristic feature of the plant. The plant needs little pruning and
does well under extreme environmental conditions such as high temperature and
limited water supply. The big crown of the tree harbors many passerine species like
sparrows and bulbuls. The plant is so named because of its yield of milky white latex
that was formerly used to make rubber. The latex is an irritant to eyes and skin and
may be toxic if taken internally as said by locals.
Benjamina Fig 'Starlight', Ficus benjamina starlight
Benjamina Fig is an evergreen ornamental shrub that has been recorded in many
localities in the Gaza Strip, though only one plant has been recorded in Jamal Abdel
64
Naser Street. The shrub reaches a height of 2-5 m. with the leaves are simple, oval
and glossy leathery (Figure 4.23, B). Many passerines usually feed on its fruits. The
plant is tolerance to drought and other environmental conditions.
Weeping Fig, Ficusnitida
Weeping Fig is an evergreen tree that reaches 10-15 m in height. It is very a common
ornamental plant in Gaza parks and streets including the streets in question (n = 168)
(Figure 4.23, C). Leaves are a glossy green color. The fruit is a small yellowish green
rounded nut. The crown of these plants is a refuge to many passerine species that use
it for different purposes such as resting, nesting, feeding, and protection. This tree
needs continuous pruning due to its fast growth. Ficus roots are known to grow very
shallow and thus damaging pavements and foundations.
Fig Tree, Ficus carica
The Fig Tree is a deciduous shrub that is planted much in the whole Gaza Strip. Only
one sample has been recorded in Al-Jalaa Street. The plant grows to 5-10 m in
height, with smooth white bark and fragrant leaves (Figure 4.23, D). Commonly, the
fruits are edible in the sense they can be eaten fresh or dried, and used in jam-
making. The fruits are also an important food source for many faunistic species
including passerine birds and the Egyptian Fruit Bat (Roussettus aegypticus). The Fig
Tree is a Qur'anic tree that is favorable by Muslims all over the world. From a
medicinal point of view, Ali-Shtayeh and Jamous (2008) pointed out that Ficus
carica is used for treating urinary system, nervous system, digestive system,
respiratory system, gall bladder stones, laxative action, anemia, mouth ulcers, skin
diseases, hair diseases and stinging.
Sycamore Fig, Ficus sycomorus
Sycamore Fig is a historical tree in the Palestinian environment that can grow up to
20 m in height. The plant covers many areas in the Gaza Strip especially the sand
dune ecosystems. As many as 16 individuals have been recorded in Al-Jalaa
Streetand Street 8. The leaves are heart-shape and dark green in colour. The ripen
fruits are edible by both humans and wildlife such as birds and fruit bats (Figure
65
4.23, E). The plant harbors many wild species such as the Agama (Stellio agama),
Egyptian Fruit Bat (Roussettus aegypticus) in addition to many passerine species.
The Sycamore has wide-spreading branches and affords shade and soil and water
conservation. Dry branches of the species are commonly collected for fuel purposes.
Medicinally, the plant is used for treating skin diseases and digestive system (Said et
al., 2002).
Red Mulberry, Morus rubaram
Red Mulberryis a historical tree in the Palestinian environment that can grow up to
10 m in height. Only nine individuals have been recorded in Street 8. The leaves are
deeply and intricately lobed (Figure 4.23, F). The fruits are sweet and very popular to
Gazans. The ripen fruits are also edible by different species of birds and fruit bats.
Leaves could be used to feed livestock. Medicinally; the fruits are used to treat
constipation, diabetes, fever, headache and sore eyes.
Christ's Thorn Jujube, Zizyphus spina–christi
Christ's Thorn Jujube is an evergreen shrub that has short spines along the branches
(Figure 4.23, G).In spite of its common occurrence in local cemeteries and orchard
borders, the plant is rarely planted in Gaza streets including the targeted ones (n = 5).
Leaves are alternate and oval. Flowers are small yellow-green. The fruits are very
sweet and edible. Many elderly person have been seen selling the ripen fruits to
people in markets and in front of children schools. The fruits are an important source
for many bird species that usually eat the whole fruit and regurgitate seeds intact,
expanding the seeds in the best conditions for germination (ornitochory).
66
Figure (4.23): Order of Rosales A: Weeping Fig (FaNTi aataii), B: Rubber Fig (Ficus
elastic), C: Benjamin Fig 'Starlight' (Ficus benjamina starlight), D: Fig Tree (Ficus
carica), E: Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus), F: Red Mulberry (Morus rubaram) and G: Christ's Thorn Jujube (Zizyphus spina-christi)
67
Jacarand,Jacaranda mimosifolia
Jacarand is an ornamental deciduous or evergreen tree that reach to 5-10 m tall.It is
widely grown in urban areas worldwide. Only one sample has been recorded in Al-
Jalaa Street. Its main distinguishing feature is its spectacular lavender blue blooms
which have led to its popularity as an ornamental and shade tree (Figure 4.24, A).
Leaves are twice-pinnately compound. Flowers are beautiful, lavender blue, tubular,
appear in dense terminal clusters. The fruit is round, flat, reddish brown and woody
capsule that contain numerous small winged seeds.
Wild-Olive, Olea oleaster
Wild Olive is superficially similar to short domesticated olive trees. Their leaves are
slightly smaller and can tolerate cold, drought and diseases. As many as eight
individuals have been recorded in Al-Jalaa Streetand Street 8 (Figure 4.24, B).Wild
Olive has small fruits. The plant is still planted in the Gaza Strip.
Common Olive, Olea europaea
Common Olive is a historical evergreen tree in the Mediterranean region including
Palestine and the neighboring countries (Figure 4.24, C). It is a holly Qur'anic tree
that has been mentioned many times in many Suras. Olive trees are symbolic of
Palestinians‟ attachment to their land. Because the trees are draught-resistant and
grow under poor soil conditions, they represent Palestinian resistance and resilience.
The fact that olive trees live and bear fruit for thousands of years is parallel to
Palestinian history and continuity on the land. Many varieties are grown in vast areas
in Palestine, and hence the Gaza Strip; especially the Surri and K 18. As many as 57
individuals have been recorded in the targeted streets. Leaves are oblong silvery
green in color. Olive fruits are widely used as a relish and flavoring for foods. The
olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fat and its regular consumption is thought among the
Palestinians to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The oil is also used
internally as a laxative and to treat peptic ulcers. It is used externally to treat purities
and burns. Nowadays, there is a strong belief among the Palestinians that the leaves
of the plant are a good hypoglycemic agent which can reduce the blood sugar to
reasonable levels. From an ecological point of view, many bird species have been
68
recorded in the olive orchards prevailing in the Gaza Strip. These include the
Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis), Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida), and Olive-
tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum). It is worth mentioning that many nests of the
Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea containing three white small eggs were found
hanging among the small leaves of olive trees in olive orchards in many areas of the
Gaza Strip.
Golden Dewdrop, Duranta erecta
Golden Dewdrop is an ornamental shrub that grows in parks and streets in the Gaza
Strip. The plant grows to 4 m in height and can spread to an equal width. As many as
107 individuals have been recorded in the targeted streets of the Gaza city.
The leaves are light green, elliptic to ovate and the flowers are light-blue produced in
tightclusters (Figure 4.23, D). Fruits are small globs and sometimes noted eaten by
songbirds. It is often used as a specimen shrub or in a hedge or windbreak.
Boobialla, MtiiioT iEooitTm
Boobialla is an ornamental shrub that is locally noted to reach 2 m in height. Only
two plants have been recorded in Ansar Square in western Jamal Abdel Naser Street.
The plant is found to be grown in ornamental nurseries in the Gaza city. The leaves
are egg-shaped, thick and smooth (Figure 4.24, E). White flowers with purple spots
appear in clusters. The plant may be used as a fast-growing hedge or a
windbreak which withstands coastal winds and drought.
Butterfly Bush,Buddleja americana
Butterfly Bushis a wonderful ornamental woody shrub that grows to 2–5 m in height.
It is the most widespread of all the Buddleja species native to the Americas. Only
one plant has been recorded in Ansar Square in western in Jamal Abdel Naser Street.
The plant is found to be grown in ornamental nurseries in the Gaza city. The leaves
vary greatly in size and shape (Figure 4.24, F).
69
Figure (4.24): Order of Lamiales; A: Jacarand (Jacaranda mimosifolia), B: Wild Olive
(Olea oleaster), C: Common Olive (Olea europaea), D: Golden Dewdrop (Duranta
erecta), E: Boobialla ( MtiiioT iEooitT (, F: Butterfly Bush (Buddleja americana)
Pencil Tree, Euphorbia tirucalli
PencilTree is an ornamental, many-branched, succulent and cactus-like milky tree
that is devoid of spines. It can grow to 3-5 m tall. Only three individuals have been
recorded in Jamal Abdel Naser Street and Street 8. The branches are cylindrical,
70
smooth and glabrous-green, and less than 1 cm in diameter (Figure 4.25). The bushy
and spineless branches of the plant are used for nesting and roosting of many
passerine birds. Gazans mentioned that the plant can be used to treat asthma, cough,
rheumatism and toothache.
Figure (4.25): Order of Malpighiales, Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli)
Philippines Medusa (Red Hot Cat's Tail), Acalypha hispida
Philippines Medusa is an ornamental shrub that reaches 3 m tall. Four plants have
been recorded in Al-Shuhadaa Street only. The leaves areevergreen, oval and
coarsely toothed. The female plant bears pistillate flowers which range in color from
purple to bright red.
Veranera (Great Bougainvillea), Bougainvillea spectabilis
Veranera (Great Bougainvillea) is an ornamental vine or shrub growing to 3-10 m.
The plant's growth habit and beautiful showy bracts make it a popular plant for
different landscapes in the Palestinian environment. It is commonly planted
everywhere in the Gaza Strip including homes, gardens, parks and streets (Figure
4.26). In the current study, the species has been only recorded in Jamal Abdel Naser
Street (n =54). The leaves are green and heart-shaped and the stems are
pubescent. The flowers are small, tubular and white, typically in clusters of three,
surrounded by three papery bracts. These bracts vary in color from magenta and
purple to orange, white and yellow.When growing as a vine, the plantuses its thorns
to cling to and climb up trees. The plant usually prefers full sun but it can grow in
71
half shade. It needs light watering which is fit to the situation of the Gaza Strip which
suffers from water shortage crisis. The plant can be locally used as a hedge and
people can shape it over time until it takes the form they need. From an ecological
point of view, the plant can attract both birds, e.g. sunbirds and insects, e.g.
butterflies, for nectar and pollination purposes. Finally, regular pruning is necessary
to shape the plant and direct its growth because the shoots often grow vigorously.
Figure (4.26): Order of Caryophyllales, Veranera (Bougainvillea spectabilis)
Japanese Pittosporum, Pittosporum tobira
The Japanese Pittosporum is a beautiful evergreen shrub which can reach 2 m tall. It
is commonly planted in different locations in the Gaza Strip such as gardens, parks,
hospitals, universities and streets. Only two plants have been recorded in Al-
Shuhadaa Street. The leaves are oval in shape, leathery and hairless.
The inflorescence is a cluster at the ends of branches. Flowers are gray-green and
cream (Figure 4.27). The fruit is a hairy, woody capsule that contains black seeds.
This shrub is known to be tolerant to drought and salinity as told by nursery owners.
72
Figure (4.27): Order of Apiales, C: Japanese Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira)
4.8 Qur'anic Species
More than 20 plant species (trees, shrubs and herbs) are mentioned in the Holy Book
of Muslims, the "Qur'an", of which 19 are medicinal plants (Al Hadi and Baraka,
1998). These include: Camphor, Date palm, Fig, Ginger, Grape, Garlic, Lentil, Olive,
Onion, Pomegranate, Summer squash, Sweet basil, Athel tamarisk, Tooth-Brush
Tree (Arak), Mustard, Acacia, Cucumber, leek, and Cedrus. Of the 45 species of
trees and shrubs recorded in the current study, only five (11.11%) are Qur'anic
plants. They are as follows:
Table (4.3): Street trees and shrubs mentioned in the Holy Qur'an.
NameCommon Scientific
Name Surah
Verse
No. Verse
Date Palm* Phoenix
dactylifera Al-
Anam
99 اء ياء فأخشجا انس ضل ي انزي أ (
ثاخ خضشا ت ء فأخشجا ي كم ش
انخم ي ي حثا يتشاكثا خشج ي
أعاب جاخ ي داح ا طهعا ق
ش يتشات غ يشتثا ا ي انش ت انض
إرا أث ش ظشا إنى ث ف ا إ ع ش
و ؤي( اخ نق نكى .ر
73
NameCommon Scientific
Name Surah
Verse
No. Verse
And it is He who sends down
rain from tky, and We produce
thereby the growth of all
things. We produce from it
greenery from which We
produce grains arranged in
layers. And from the palm trees
- of its emerging fruit are
clusters hanging low. And [We
produce] gardens of grapevines
and olives and pomegranates,
similar yet varied. Look at
[each of] its fruit when it yields
and [at] its ripening. Indeed in
that are signs for a people who
believe.
Tamarisk Tamarix
spp.
Saba 16 م انعشو ى س )فأعشضا فأسسها عه
ظ أكم خ ات ر ى جت ناى تجت تذ
سذس قهم( ء ي ش أثم .
But they turned away
[refusing], so We sent upon
them the flood of the dam, and
We replaced their two [fields
of] gardens with gardens of
bitter fruit, tamarisks and
something of sparse lote trees.
Fig Tree Ficus
carica
At-Tin 1 .)ت انض انت (
74
NameCommon Scientific
Name Surah
Verse
No. Verse
By the fig and the olive.
Christ'sThorn **
Jujube
Zizyphus
spina–
christi
An-
Najm
تى(.)ع 14 ذ سذسج ان
At the Lote Tree of the Utmost
Boundary.
Olive***
Olea
europaea
Nur 35 السض يثم س اخ ا س انس )للا
صثاح ف شكاج فا يصثاح ان ك
كة د ا ك جاجح كأ ي قذ صجاجح انض س
ل تح ل ششقح شجشج يثاسكح ص ي
سس نى ت ن تا ضء غشتح كاد ص
ي نس ذي للا اس س عهى س
للا اليثال نهاط ضشب للا شاء
ء عهى(. تكم ش
Allah is the Light of the
heavens and the earth. The
example of His light is like a
niche within which is a lamp,
the lamp is within glass, the
glass as if it were a pearly
[white] star lit from [the oil of]
a blessed olive tree, neither of
the east nor of the west, whose
oil would almost glow even if
untouched by fire. Light upon
light. Allah guides to His light
whom He wills. And Allah
presents examples for the
people, and Allah is Knowing
of all things.
* Date Palm is the most common plants mentioned in the Holy Qur'an (20 times).
** Christ'sThornJujube is mentioned four times in the Holy Qur'an.
*** Olive is mentioned seven times in the Holy Qur'an.
75
4.9 Questionnaire Results
The present data were collected using questionnaires applied on 180 inhabitants
living along the five streets selected in the current study. The tables of the data are
illustrated in Appendix 4.
4.9.1 Personal profile of the research sample
Table 4 (Appendix 4) and Figure 4.28 illustrates the characteristics of the research
sample (N=180) along the five streets in the Gaza city. The sex showed that 58.9% of
the interviewed people were females and 41.1% were males. The age frequency
showed that 21.7% of the interviewed population were less than 20 years, 42.8%
from 21 to 40 years, 16.7% from 41 to 50 years and 18.9% were more than 50 years.
The analysis of the educational level showed that the majority of the interviewed
people 72.8% had Bachelor degrees, 7.2% had Diploma degrees, and only 1.1% had
Master degrees. The rest had secondary levels or less. For marital status, the survey
pointed out that 56.1% of the interviewed population were married, and the rest
43.9% were single. In general, 51.1% of the interviewed people have children. With
regard to profession, about one-third of the interviewed population (33.3%) were
university students, 32.2% were employees, and 18.9% were unemployed. The rest
was either practitioners or workers.
76
A B
C D
E
Figure (4.28): the characteristics of the research sample (N=180) along the five streets
in the Gaza city: A (Sex); B (Age frequency); C (Educational level); D (Marital status)
and E (Profession)
77
4.9.2 Knowledge aspects of median trees and shrubs of Gaza city streets:
Table 5 (Appendix 4) illustrates the knowledge aspects of median trees and shrubs of
Gaza city streets (N=180).
4.9.2.1 The nearest main street to your house:
Table 5 (Appendix 4) and Figure 4.29 showed that 22.80% of the interviewed
people are living near Al-Jalaa Street, 22.20% near Jamal Abd El-Naser
(Al-Thaltheeny) Street, 21.8% the near Street 8, 17.3% near Al-Shuhada Street, and
finally 16.2% near Al-Aqsa Street.
Figure (4.29): The nearest main street to respondents' houses
4.9.2.2 The importance of median trees and shrubs for human:
The results showed that 96.7% of the interviewed population believed that there is an
importance of median trees and shrubs for humans (Figure 4.30). They claimed that
the median trees and shrubs have the following importance:
1. People may benefit from the shade made by the canopies of median trees.
During the field work, the researcher found people utilize the shade of the
following trees for sitting and getting rest (Figure 4.31): Brazilian Pepper
(Schinus terebinthifolius), Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus), Weeping Fig
78
(Ficus nitida), Red Mulberry (Morusrubaram), Royal Poinciana (Ponciana
regia) and Weeping Wattle (Peltophorum africanum).
2. Some trees are utilized for their fruits as a food source: Date Palm (Phoenix
dactylifera), Fig Tree (Ficus carica), Brazilian Pepper (Schinus
terebinthifolius), Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus) and Christ'sThornJujube
(Zizyphus spina-christi).
3. Some trees have medical importance by treating certain diseases: Date Palm
(Phoenix dactylifera), Fig Tree (Ficus carica), Lebbeck (naibibd abiibel(,
River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia
tirucalli).
4. They help in breaking and minimizing the impacts of cars' lights in the two
opposite sides of streets. This, in turn, will help organizing the traffic and
reducing road crashes.
5. Median trees and shrubs have aesthetic and psychological values by giving
nice views through their green colors, nice flowers and bird attraction that
links between people and nature.
Figure (4.30): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the importance of trees
and shrubs for human
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Figure (4.31): Some people utilize the shade of the trees for sitting and getting rest
4.9.2.3 The importance of median trees and shrubs for the environment:
The results showed that 96.7% from the interviewed people believed that there is an
importance for median trees and shrubs for the environment (Figure 4.32) as follows:
1. Trees and shrubs purify air from toxic gases by absorbing them on leaf
surface e.g. carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
2. Trees and shrubs can capture particulate matter and dust from the air.
3. Trees and shrubs can increase the proportion of oxygen.
4. Trees and shrubs control the climate by their cooling characteristics through
shade and reflection of sun light.
5. Trees and shrubs increase the biodiversity level of the urban environment by
providing food, nesting and resting sites and shelter for many insects, birds
and other animal categories.
6. Trees and shrubs reduce noise pollution.
7. Trees and shrubs maintain soil fertility; insects, bacteria and fungi. These
organisms have a vital role in decomposing wastes and retaining the resulting
elements to the soil.
8. Roots of trees and shrubs have a vital function in fixing the soil and
preventing soil erosion.
80
Figure (4.32): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the importance of trees
and shrubs for environment
4.9.2.4 Fruit trees and shrubs in median streets:
The results showed that 55.6% of the interviewed population claimed that there are
many fruit trees and shrubs implanted in the median streets and can be harvested by
local people (Figure 4.33). The example they mentioned included the Common Olive
(Olea europaea), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Fig Tree (Ficus carica),
Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus), Christ'sThornJujube (Zizyphus spina-christi), Red
Mulberry (Morus rubaram) and Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius).
Figure (4.33): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the
fruit median trees and shrubs
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4.9.2.5 Preference of planting median fruit trees and shrubs:
The results showed that 72.8% from the interviewed population did not prefer the
planting ofmedianfruit trees and shrubs, and 27.2% of them prefer this (Figure 4.34).
Those who did not prefer such a planting mentioned the following reasons for their
thoughts:
1. The fruits of median trees and shrubs may be polluted with various road
pollutants.
2. The fruits may attract insects, rodents, bats and livestock, thus causing
nuisance to people and traffic.
3. Fruit trees and shrubs may increase traffic accidents when people;
particularly children, try to catch the fruits.
4. Fruit trees and shrubs may increase the level of waste when the fruit fall
down on the ground (Figure 4.35).
While those who preferred the planting ofmedianfruit trees and shrubs mentioned the
following reasons for their thoughts:
1. Fruit trees and shrubs are a food source for human, livestock and birds.
2. Fruit trees and shrubs may be used medically to treat many illnesses. The
examples are Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) (Figure 4.36), Aloe (Aloe
succotrina), Fig Tree (Ficus carica), Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus) and
Christ'sThornJujube (Zizyphus spina–christi).
Figure (4.34): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the prefer planting trees
and shrubs in median streets
82
Figure (4.35): The fruits of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) may increase the level
of waste in street medians if not harvested in a proper way
Figure (4.36): The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a fruit tree
grown in many Gaza streets
4.9.2.6 The economic importance of the median trees and shrubs:
The results showed that 73.9% of the interviewed population did not believe in
the economic importance of the median trees and shrubs; while the rest (26.1%)
believed in such an importance (Figure 4.37). Those who believed mentioned the
following economic importance of many tree or shrub species as follows:
83
1. Common Olive (Olea europaea) can be consumed in olive, olive oil, soap
and cosmeticsproduction.
2. The River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) can be a source of timber
and wood. The species is a good source of nectar for Honeybees as well.
3. Decoration trees; People said that used for decorating streets, attractive
view, woods and reduction of accidents.
4. The fruits of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) are commonly eaten
fresh. The fronds are commonly used in building and decorative purposes.
5. The wood of the Evergreen Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) may be
used as a fuel source.
6. The leaves of Ficus spp. may be used for feeding the livestock.
Figure (4.37): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the economic
importance of the median trees and shrubs
4.9.2.7 The medical importance of median trees and shrubs:
The results showed that 51.1% of the interviewed population believed in the medical
importance of median trees and shrubs, and 48.9% did not believe (Figure 4.38).
They claimed that median trees and shrubs have the following medical importance:
1. The leaves of the Common Olive (Olea europaea) can be used as antibiotics
and for treating cough and heart attacks. The olive oil is traditionally used for
massage and curing skin diseases.
84
2. The leaves of the Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus) can be used as antibiotic
and in treating diabetes and cough.
3. The leaves of the Red Mulberry (Morus rubaram) can be used in curing cough
and diabetes
4. The Fig Tree (Ficus carica) can be used as an antibiotic or a laxative. It can be
used in curing skin diseases, diabetes, grain and wounds.
5. The leaves of the River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) can be used in
curing cough, respiratory diseasesand fever.
6. The leaves of the Evergreen Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) can be used in
curing dysentery and as antiseptic for wounds.
7. The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) traditionally can be used for easy
delivery to pregnant women and for the treatment of constipation.
8. The leaves of the Aloe (Aloe succotrina) can be used for curing skin diseases,
and against sun burns.
9. The leaves and fruits of the Christ'sThornJujube (Zizyphus spina-christi) can be
used for curing cough, and face and hair problems
10. The leaves and flowers of Royal Poinciana (Ponciana regia) can be used for
curing diabetes
Figure (4.38): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the medical median
trees and shrubs
85
4.9.2.8 The most important features preferred by local people for median trees
and shrubs
1. Trees and shrubs that tolerate salinity and the lack of water.
2. Trees and shrubs that is configurable in different forms.
3. Long trees like palm trees, river red-gum tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and
Evergreen cypress (Cupressus sempervirens).
4. Trees and shrubs that is decorative and always green.
5. Trees and shrubs that are endemic to Palestine such as Olive (Olea
europaea), Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus), Fig Tree (Ficus carica) and
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera).
6. Trees and shrubs that have nice flowers such as the Hibiscus sp., Callistemon
(Callistemon citrinus), Boobialla (MmaiaeTy ibeeduTy), Butterfly Bush
(Buddleja americana) and Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira).
7. Trees and shrubs that have shadows such as Ficus tree species.
4.9.3 Threats facing the median trees and shrubs
Table 6 (Appendix 4) illustrates the threats that face the median trees and shrubs
(N=180).
4.9.3.1 Damage caused by median trees and shrubs on the streets infrastructure:
The results showed that 66.1% of the interviewed population did not believe that
median trees and shrubs cause damage on the streets infrastructure, and 33.9% of
them believed (Figure 4.39). Those who believed claimed that median trees and
shrubs can cause damage to the infrastructure as follows:
1. Median trees and shrubs can break down water and sewage lines.
2. They may clog sewage lines as a result of secondary root growth (Figure
4.40).
3. They can cause cracks in the earth's sidewalks because of their root growth.
86
Figure (4.39): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the damage caused by
median trees and shrubs on the street infrastructure
Figure (4.40): Trees clog sewage lines as a result of secondary roots growth
4.9.3.2 The role of median trees and shrubs in causing traffic accidents:
The results showed that 50.6% of the interviewed population did not believe that
median trees and shrubs can cause an increase in traffic accidents, and 49.4% of
them believed (Figure 4.41). Those who believed claimed that median trees and
shrubsmay obstruct vehicular light traffic, obscure the visibility between drivers and
pedestrians, and increase clash and run over accidents.
87
Figure (4.41): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the role of median trees
and shrubs in causing traffic accidents
4.9.3.3 Risks threatening median trees and shrubs:
The results showed that 68.9% of the interviewed population believed on the risks
threatening median trees and shrubs (Figure 4.42) as follows:
1. Median trees and shrubs are sometimes tampered and destroyed by citizens.
2. Children sometimes destroy and uproot median trees and shrubs.
3. Overgrazing on median trees and shrubs caused by livestock in times pastures
are lacking in the Gaza Strip.
4. Median trees and shrubs are not irrigated continuously. Some of the irrigation
pipes were found cut off (Figure 4.43).
5. The environmental pollution enhanced by automobile exhaust, garbage
burning and solid waste disposal (Figure 4.43).
6. Salinization of both water and soil which is considered as a vital problem in
the Gaza Strip.
7. Mismanagement of median trees and shrub by the responsible municipalities.
8. Some street trees and shrubs were completely uprooted or destroyed by the
missiles shot by the Israeli army.
9. Weakness of environmental and ecological awareness among citizens.
88
Figure (4.42): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on risks threatening
median street trees and shrubs
Figure (4.43): Cutting off of water pipes and solid waste disposal threaten median trees
and shrubs
89
4.9.3.4 Watching of Solid wastes surrounding median trees and shrubs:
The majority of the interviewed population (79.4%) claimed that they usually see
different sorts of solid wastes accumulating beside median trees and shrubs (Figure
4.44). According to the respondents, the source of these wastes is:
1. Municipal wastes coming from houses, restaurants, factories and shops. In
many places, the containers of solid waste collection were put in the street
medians (Figure 4.45).
2. Dropping or manure of animals standing beside median trees and shrubs
(Figure 4.46).
3. Wastes representing the accumulating leaves and fruits of trees and shrubs
(Figure 4.47).
The hazards of solid waste accumulation in street medians are collectively
summarized as follows:
1. Solid wastes usually attract dogs, cats, rodents, and insects. These animals may
represent an actual source of epidemics and diseases
2. Solid wastes usually pollute the surrounding environment including streets.
3. Solid wastes can distort the urban view and make the streets smelly (visual and
olfactory pollutions).
4. Solid wastes may damage or hinder the growth of trees and shrubs if these
wastes are hazardous or containing harmful chemicals.
5. Solid waste; if burned may cause fires and harmful impacts on vegetation.
90
Figure (4.44): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on notice the solid waste
beside the median trees and shrubs
Figure (4.45): Garbage containers are put in street medians
91
Figure (4.46): Droppings of animals pollute the vicinity of median trees and shrubs
Figure (4.47): The accumulation of leaves and other waste items distort the urban view
4.9.3.5 Pests attacking median trees and shrubs:
The results showed that 70.6% of the interviewed population believed on the
agricultural pests attacking the median plants and shrubs (Figure 4.48). The
followings are examples of such pests:
1. Worms and snails can destroy leaves and fruits and damage roots.
2. Harmful insects e.g. Aphid can destroy leaves, and cause growth retardation
and bad smell for trees.
3. The Red Palm Weevill (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) decays Palm trunks and
cause loss in Palm numbers. Nowadays, this insect pest attack causes great
92
losses in Date Palm trees in the Gaza Strip and many efforts have been
adopted by the responsible parties to combat it.
4. Termites can destroy leaves and fruits of many median plants.
5. Downy Mildew can destroy leaves of many median plants.
6. Birds and mammals sometimes attack the leaves and fruits of median trees
and shrubs. Examples are: The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Yellow-
vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), and the Egyptian Fruit Bat (Roussettus
aegyptiacus).
Figure (4.48): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) concerning the pests
attacking median trees and shrubs
4.9.3.6 Aggression towards median trees and shrubs:
The results of the current study showed that 62.8% of the interviewed population
believed on the aggression made by people towards median trees and shrubs (Figure
4.49). They mentioned many species of trees and shrubs attacked or aggressed as
follows:
1. The Date Palm trees (Phoenix dactyliferaa) are usually attacked because of
its fruits and leaves or fronds (Sa'af).
2. The River Red-gum trees (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) can be attacked to get
its timber to be used for fuel.
93
3. Sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus), M ulberry (Morus rubaram), Olive trees
(Olea europaea) and Christ‟s thorn- Jujube (Zizyphus spina-Christi) can be
attackedbecause of their fruits, leaves and woods.
4. Rose Trees can be attacked for fun and beauty such as the Hibiscus sp.,
Callistemon (Callistemon citrinus), Boobialla (MmaiaeTy ibeeduTy),
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja americana) and Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira).
Figure (4.49): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the aggression made
towards median trees and shrubs
4.9.4 The rule of median trees and shrubs in attracting animal biodiversity
elements
Table 7 (Appendix4) illustrates the rule of median trees and shrubs in attracting
animal biodiversity elements (N=180).
4.9.4.1 Rule for trees and shrubs in attracting animal biodiversity elements:
The results showed that 86.7% of the interviewed population believed that there is a
rule for median trees and shrubs in attracting animal biodiversity elements (Figure
4.50). In this regard four of organisms were attracting median trees and shrubs as
biodiversity elements as follows:
94
1. Mammals: such as Sheep, Goats, Cats, Rats, Mice, Donkeys, Horses, Mules,
Dogs and Bats.
2. Birds: such as Pigeons, House Sparrow, Barn Swallow, Wild Birds, Atlantic
Canary, Woodpecker and Owl.
3. Reptiles: such as Turkish Gecko, Mediterranean Chameleon, Snakes and
Lizards.
4. Insects: such as Ladybug, Mosquitoes, Flies, Bees, Beetles, Locusts, Gnat,
Ants, Worms and Cockroaches.
Figure (4.50): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on attracting animal
biodiversity elements of median street trees and shrubs
As far as the benefits of biodiversity element are concerned, the results showed that
76.1% of the interviewed population believed that there are benefits of the organisms
that attracting median trees and shrubs (Figure 4.51) as biodiversity elements as
follows:
1. The Bees helped for pollinate flowers or transfer pollen and absorb nectar.
2. These organisms increase the environmental biodiversity.
3. The birds are tweets in different sounds.
4. These organisms eliminate some of harmful insects as biological control.
5. These organisms exchange food through the symbiotic relationship.
6. The manure of these animals was used as a fertilizer for median trees and
shrubs.
95
Figure (4.51): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on benefits of organism
With regard to the risks imposed by these biodiversity elements, the results showed
that 54.4% of the interviewed population believed that there are risks from those
organisms, and 45.6% did not believe (Figure 4.52). There are many risks that attract
median trees and shrubs as biodiversity elements they mentioned as follows:
1. Some of organisms transfer of contagious diseases and epidemics like Cats,
Rats, Mice, Mosquitoes and Flies.
2. Some of organisms can cause an environmental pollution
3. Some of organisms can cause impeded or crisis traffic specially Sheep, Goats,
Donkeys and Horses.
4. These organisms distorted the landscape of plants.
5. These organisms feed on leaves and fruits that cause damage and weaken in the
growth of trees and shrubs like Bats, Beetles, Locusts, Gnat, Ants, Worms and,
Snakes and Lizards.
96
Figure (4.52): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on risks of organisms
4.9.5 Management and conservation of median trees and shrubs
Table 8 (Appendix 4) illustrates the management and preservation measures adopted
by Municipality of Gaza toward median trees and shrubs (N=180).
4.9.5.1 Municipal management of median trees and shrubs
The results showed that 54.4% of the interviewed population believed that the
municipality plays a good role in protecting and pruning of median trees and shrubs
as follows (Figure 4.53):
1. It supplies median trees and shrubs with water lines to ensure good irrigation.
2. It replaces the damaged trees and shrubs with new items.
3. It makes fences around median trees and shrubs for further protection.
4. It prunes median trees and shrubs.
5. It controls the pests infecting trees and shrubs with pesticides.
97
Figure (4.53): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the municipal make
protection and pruning for median trees and shrubs
4.9.5.2 Use of treated sewage in irrigating median trees and shrubs:
The results showed that 60% of the interviewed population believed in irrigating
median trees and shrubs using treated sewage (Figure 4.54) due to the following
reasons:
1. Treated sewage often contains significant amounts of organic and inorganic
nutrients (nitrogen and phosphate) as a fertilizer source.
2. The use of treated sewage in agricultural irrigation can reduce the pressure
imposed on groundwater.
3. Treated sewage can offer a non-conventional water resource in the Gaza Strip
in times the Gaza Strip suffers from water shortage and mismanagement.
The 40% of interviewed population who did not support the use of treated sewage in
irrigating median trees and shrubs claimed that:
1. Treated sewage is studded with pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa and
helminthes).
2. Treated sewage may contain trace contaminants and heavy metals that may
damage the trees and shrubs.
3. The salinity and pH of treated sewage can damage both the soil and the
median trees and shrubs.
98
4. Treated sewage can attract harmful and annoying insects such as mosquitoes,
flies and cockroaches.
Figure (4.54): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on support using treated
sewage in irrigating median trees and shrubs
4.9.5.3 Most common ways in irrigating median trees and shrubs:
The results in (Figure 4.55) showed that 42.8% and 28.9% of the interviewed
population believed in using dripping and water cars respectively in irrigating
median trees and shrubs, while 26.1% believed in using both methods.
Figure (4.55): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the most common ways
in irrigating median trees and shrubs
99
4.9.5.4 The use of Fertilizers for median trees and shrubs:
The results showed that 92.8% of the interviewed population believed that fertilizers
have never been used for median trees and shrubs (Figure 4.56). The rest ensured the
use of manure, compost and other chemical fertilizers.
Figure (4.56): Response of the surveyed population (N=180) on the fertilizers used for
supporting of planting median trees and shrubs
4.9.5.5 Maintenance of median trees and shrubs
Finally, when asked on how to maintain a good health for median trees and shrubs,
the majority of interviewed suggested the following measures:
1. To avoid tree and shrub cutting by local people.
2. To avoid tree and shrub grazing by livestock.
3. To surround the fruits of many trees like Date Palm by suitable nets
4. To adopt regular and organized irrigation and pruning methods.
5. To use eco-friendly fertilizers and pesticides.
6. To plant new species that suitable for street and Gaza Strip environment.
7. To allow people to plant and take care on median trees and shrubs.
5 Chapter V
Discussion
101
Chapter V
Discussion
Species Recorded
Different assemblages of median trees and shrubs species have been encountered
during this study in the targeted five streets of Gaza City. A total of 4060 individual
trees and shrubs belonging to 45 species and 25 families were identified and
recorded (Table 4.1). A similar study pointed out that a total number of 2291
individual trees and shrubs belongingto 35 species and 16 families were recorded in
five major roads in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Sretheran et al., 2011).
The majority of the currently recoded trees and shrubs (43 species; 95.56%) were
found to be Angiosperms, and only two species (4.44%) were found to be
Gymnosperms as shown in(Figure 4.3). Angiospermsare usually prefered because of
their nice flowers and fruits. They provide food to humans, livestock and wildlife.
Their hardwood can be used in many different ways and for different purposes. In
contrast, Gymnosperms which form the conifer group are commonly used for their
lumber only (Moro and Westerkamp, 2011).
The current study prevailed that eight species (17.39%) of median trees and shrubs
were described as native, while the rest species 37 (80.43%) are exotic (Figure 4.4
and Table 4.1). These figures may coincide with a study that was conducted by
Moro et al. (2014). They pointed out that exotic species represented 61.8% of all
individuals sampled in public spaces as an ornamental or fruit plants in Fortaleza,
Brazail, while the native species were represented by 38.2%, where most of them
were described as spontaneous or self-established. A study carried out by Ferrini and
Fini (2011) showed that the native species may not be the best choice for urban
planting because of altered environmental conditions within the town. Native
species have advantage of being climatically suited and live in some equilibrium
with native pest organisms such as insects and fungi. The use of local natives
promotes biodiversity and creation of wildlife corridors, reinforces sense of place,
and can be very drought and exposure resistant. Exotics may be almost completely
free of native pests and diseases but run therisk of being devastated if other
102
exotic pests are accidentally introduced. An important advantage of exotics in the
urban context is that they include many useful deciduous trees which provide greater
solar access to the streets through the winter months (Moro et al. 2014 and
Woollahara, 2014).
The result of the current study (Figure 4.6 and Table 4.2) showed that the Oleander
(Nerium oleander) was the most common species in the targeted streets, followed
by the River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), California Fan Palm
(Washingtonia filifera), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Hopbush (Dodonaea
viscosa) and Weeping Fig (Ficus nitida). The value of the Oleander comes from its
evergreen foliage and as a result, it is commonly and extensively used as
an ornamental plant in land scapes and parks, and along roadsides as well. It is
tolerant to many environmental conditions including poor soils, drought, air pollution
and water shortage (Huxley et al., 1992). The species produces secondary
metabolites, some of which are of pharmacological interests (Zibbu and Batra, 2010).
The plant is unpalatable by grazing animals as it is known locally as a highly
poisonous to humans and animals.
The planting of the River Redgum in streets and other places in the Gaza Strip comes
from the facts that its timber is an excellent source of fuel wood and charcoal
(Boland, 1984). The plant has a fast growth rate, and its flowers are a good source
of nectar for honey production (Abd Rabou et al. 2008). From a medical point of
view, the essential oil from the leaves has been used for treating coughs. The species
has antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities in addition to its importance in
repelling some species of mosquito.
California Fan Palm is growing any where its germinated seed ends up. The species
requires very little water to get started, and once established require very little water
to grow. This is one of the most drought tolerant palms one can grow in cultivation
(Stein; 2010). These facts are very important to location like the Gaza Strip which
suffers from water shortage and salinity. Staying with Palms, the Date Palm is
highly versatile. It tolerates harsh weathers and high level of salinity. In addition, it
103
can increase the biodiversity level in the Gaza Strip because it attracts many wildlife
species for nesting, restingand feeding purposes (Abd Rabou et al. 2008).
Hopbush is a highly variable evergreen shrub or small tree with several subspecies
and varieties. Many characteristics of the species may stand behind its selection to
be planted in roads and green spaces in the Gaza Strip. This species prefers well-
drained soils. It can tolerate part shade, dry conditions, rocky soils, salt spray, windy
areas, and drought conditions.The species needs little maintenance (Australian
National Botanical Gardens (ANBG), 2006).
Weeping Fig is the most beautiful and versatile trees for streets. Lush, dense foliage
provides dense canopies of shade from strong softwood branches. It is easily pruned
into any shape and size from patio trees and hedges. This tree can increase the bird
diversity level in areas of its planting because it attracts the species for nesting,
restingand feeding (Gilman et al., 1993).
In the current study (Table 4.3) only five (11.11%) are Qur'anic plants that
mentioned in the Holy Qur'an that have many medical importance and many
advantages to peoples, animals and environment. These plants are Date Palm,
Tamarisk, Fig Tree, Jujube and olive. These plants are respected by Gazans and their
plantation usually gives spiritual feeling to Muslims everywhere. In this regard,
municipalities should be encouraged to plant such Qur'anic plants like Camphor,
Athel tamarisk, Acacia, Cedrus …etc.
As many as seven species (15.56%) of fruit trees and shrubs were recorded
throughout the study (Figure 4.5 and Table 4.1). They can provide food for humans.
Date Palm, Brazilian Pepper, Fig tree, Sycamore Fig, Red Mulberry, Jujube and
Olive are recorded fruit species. Further more, these species are beneficial in
increasing wildlife biodiversity, urban vegetal biodiversity and in providing food and
shelter for many animal species, especially birds (Nagendra and Gopal, 2010 and
Moro, et al. 2014). In contrast, many local parties including people did not prefer the
planting of fruit trees and shrubs because the fruits can pollute roads; attract insects,
104
rodents, bats and livestock. Many may increase the level of waste when the fruit fall
down on the ground. These results are consistent with results of other studies
(Barker, 1986 and Ferrini and Fini, 2011).
Selected tree species must have a high level of tolerance/adaptability to the
environment. The unique environment of the Gaza Strip which is characterized by
population explosion, crowdedness, aridity, tense atmosphere, traffic pollution,
promotes the selection of species capable of retaining large quantities of dust and
other pollutants produced by traffic, increasing biodiversity, reducing their
vulnerability to pests and diseases (Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2011). The selection of
street trees that create a more diverse landscape, give a more variety in shapes,
scents, colors and tones of both the leaves and the flowers, and help to attract
associated fauna is a priority in urban environments (Woollahara, 2014) and the Gaza
Strip in not excluded from this ecological scenario.
In terms of the number of trees and shrubs counted (Figure 4.7 and Table 4.2), the
Al-Jalaa Street had the highest number of trees and shrubs (29 species), and Street 8
had 21 species. These streets are the longest streets in Gaza City and have wide
medians and human dwellings that promoted the municipality and local people to
plant many plant species. In contrast, Al- Aqsa Street, which is the shortest, has the
lowest number of species (only 8 species) and narrow medians.
The Moraceae was the biggest family and comprised 13% of the recorded species
(Figure 4.2) that contains Ficus sp. The second biggest family was the Malvaceae
and comprised 11%of the recorded species that contain Hibiscus sp. These were
followed by the Fabaceae and the Apocynaceae where each of them comprised 7%.
The trees and shrubs of these families are considered as very suitable in street
medians. These plants like Ficus benjamina starlight, Jacaranda mimosifolia,
Buddleja americana, Duranta erecta, lagonaria patersonili and Myoporum
serratum have many advantages to the environment and humans which have
excellent aesthetic features, suffers from water shortage and salinity, have strong
crown structure, used as fast growing hedge or a windbreak, limited competition
105
with infrastructures, minimal litter of leaf and fruit and resistant to attack by pest and
disease.
Questionnaire Survey
Personal profile of the research sample:
The proximity of the selected streets to most of universities and colleges and
governmental and non-governmental work places in the Gaza City made most of the
people interviewed to be of diploma or university degree holders in addition to
employees. This, in turn, made the highest percentages of good knowledge towards
median trees and shrubs (Yassin et al., 2002).
Knowledge aspects of median trees and shrubs of Gaza City streets:
According to present data, there was a good knowledge of people towards the
importance of median trees and shrubs for humans (Figure 4.30), where 96.7% of the
interviewed population assured that. Most of the importance highlighted by the
interviewed population were found to be more or less similar to that reported by
many studies (Malavasi and Malavasi, 2001; Maco and McPherson, 2003 and
Nagendra and Gopal, 2010). They mentioned that street plants provide shadow, food
for people and animals, medical importance by treating certain diseases, and
psychological values by giving nice views. From an environmental point of view, the
importance of median trees and shrubs to the environment was highlighted by
respondents as well. They can purify air, capture particulate matter and dust from the
air, increase the proportion of oxygen, reduce noise pollution, control the climate by
their cooling characteristics through shade and reflection of sun light, prevent soil
erosion, and increase the biodiversity level of the urban environment by providing
food, nesting and resting sites and shelter for many insects, birds and other animal
categories. These benefits of trees and shrubs to the environment seem to be
consistent with other related studies carried out by McPherson et al. (2007),
Dearborn and Kark (2010) and Nagendra and Gopal (2010).
106
The mix origin of median trees and shrubs may be advantageous. Exotics may be
almost completely free of native pests and diseases but run the risk of being
devastated if other exotic pests are accidentally introduced. In contrast, native trees
and shrubs promote biodiversity, reinforce the sense of place and can resist drought
and other climatic conditions (Moro et al. 2014 and Ferrini and Fini (2011). So the
medians must have the both origin to have maximum advantages and low risks. With
regard to fruit trees and shrubs in the medians, 55.6% of the interviewed population
ensured their presence. The harvest process of fruit trees and shrubs by local people
can be dangerous in term of exposing them and other to different problem including
traffic ones. Moreover, fruit trees and shrubs are known to pollute roads and grounds,
attract insects, rodents, bats and livestock. Many may increase the level of waste
when the fruit fall down on the ground. These results are consistent with results of
other studies (Barker 1986 and Ferrini and Fini 2011).
About one-quarter (26.1%) of the interviewed population in the current study
believed in the economic importance of the median trees and shrubs. The examples
that were mostly mentioned by locals included the Common Olive (Olea europaea)
and the River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). They can be in different ways
including food, oil, timber and wood. The River Redgum is a good source of nectar
for Honeybees as stated by Abd Rabou et al. (2008). Other direct or indirect
economic uses of street trees and shrubs were pointed out by Maco and McPherson
(2003). They reported the economic importance of trees and shrubs as they help to
make the city more beautiful and increase the value of homes. The shade and
microclimate generated by street trees and shrubs reduce the amount of energy
consumed by air conditioning and increase the attractiveness of businesses and
tourism areas.
The results showed that 51.1% of the interviewed population believed on the medical
importance of median trees and shrubs. Traditionally, dozens of the Palestinian flora
and plants have been stated to be of medical importance (Abu-Shanab et al., 2004;
Elmanama et al., 2011; and Husein et al., 2014). The examples mentioned in the
current study, like Common Olive (Olea europaea), Sycamore Fig (Ficus
107
sycomorus), Fig tree (Ficus carica), Red Mulberry (Morus rubaram) and River
Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) are respected much by the Palestinian
community.
The criteria preferred by respondents regarding the selection of median trees and
shrubs were more or less consistent with the studies of Harris et al. (2004) and
Schutzki and Tripp (2008) in the sense that they must tolerate salinity and lack of
water, configurable in different forms, give nice flowers and have shadows. They
also must have strong crown structure, rapid growth rate, deep root, limited
competition with infrastructures, minimal litter of leaf and fruit and resistant to attack
by pests and diseases.
Threats facing the median trees and shrubs:
Although 66.1% of the interviewed population did not believe on the damages
caused by median trees and shrubs on the streets infrastructure (Figure 4.40), many
studies carried out by Hauer et al. (1994),Gorman (2004), and Prioleau (2010)
confirmed such damages as they may break down water and sewage lines, clog
sewage lines as a result of secondary root growth and cracks in the earth's sidewalks
because of their root growth. Although about 50.0% of the interviewed population
believed that median trees and shrubs can cause an increase in traffic accidents, the
rest 50.0% said the opposite. All types of roadside treatments positively affected
vehicle safety outcomes and some research showed decrease in crash rates across
highway sites (Mok et al., 2006).
The risks threatening median trees and shrubs (Figure 4.43) as indicated by 68.9% of
interviewed population were the logging and uprooting are the most famous
problem to the trees and shrubs that destroyed or cut for wood and timber
production as mentioned for Tamarisks, Eucalyptus and other plants by citizen that
have bad impact to the environment. So citizen must increase environmental and
ecological awareness by municipalities. Although, overgrazing by livestock could
harm or destroy trees and shrubs and could be detrimental to the sustainability of
median trees and shrubs (Belsky et al. 1999). Salinization is another harmful and
108
vital problem in Gaza Strip to trees and shrubs that is reduces water availability for
plant use. High salt levels hinder water absorption. The soil may contain adequate
water, but plants roots are unable to absorb inducing physiological drought in the
plant (Ali et al. 2014).
The results showed that 79.4% of respondents (Figure 4.45) Shaw different sorts of
solid waste coming from houses, restaurants, factories and shops accumulating
beside median trees and shrubs. Besides potential health hazards, these wastes may
enhance people; especially children to make fires and some explosions, which in
turn, result in vegetation damage, unpleasant odors, landfill settlement, air pollution
and global warming as pointed out by El-Fadel et al. (1997). The accumulation of
solid wastes in street medians is a suitable environment to attract annoying insects,
rodents, cats, dogs, and as a result pollutes the streets and threatens the public health.
Insects and other pests can badly damage plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers and
seeds. As claimed by 70.6% of interviewed population (Figure 4.49) numerous of
agricultural pests as various species of aphids will attack most trees and shrubs that
massed on stems and flowers as well as leaves. Some pests will either eat holes in the
leaves or eat part or all of the leaf like slugs and snails are a particular problem in
mild weather. Although, earwigs are especially fond of dahlias, chrysanthemums and
clematis, causing ragged holes to appear in the petals. Also, people claimed that ants
and mice causing damage to seeds especially fruit trees and shrubs. The worms
which can cause extensive damage and boring holes into the roots of plants. So the
risks of these pests are mentioned in the study of North, and Barkley, (2014).
Although, Weevil larvae can excavate holes in the trunk of a palm trees, there by
weakening and eventually killing the host plant. Finally, Egyptian Fruit Bat attack
fruity trees including the Date Palm.
The aggression made by people towards median trees and shrubs was apparent. All
trees are commonly targeted. Special aggressions have been known to be
concentrated on Date Palm trees (Phoenix dactyliferaa) and River Red-gum trees
(Eucalyptus camaldulensis) because of their fronds, fruits or timber to be used for
fuel as was pointed out by local studies carried out by Abd Rabou et al. (2008).
109
The role of median trees and shrubs in attracting animal biodiversity elements
Median trees and shrubs can attract different biodiversity categories as indicated by
86.7% of interviewed population (Figure 4.51). Many studies (Fernandez, 2000 and
Schutzki and Tripp, 2008) pointed out similar findings, where different species
mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, along with their benefits were described. The
benefits stated were the dispersal of seeds and pollen in addition to aesthetic and
beauty values. Some of these attracted animals are known to cause environmental
pollution, diseases transmission to trees and shrubs or humans (Schutzki and Tripp,
2008).
Management and conservation of median trees and shrubs:
In the light of municipal procedure to protect median trees and shrubs that make
fences around some of trees and shrubs or fences around there fruits for protection
(Ferrini and fini; 2011) and prune some of trees and shrubs like weeping fig. In other
side there extension and replace water lines in the medians of streets.
The use of treated sewage in the irrigation of median trees and shrubs has advantages
and disadvantages to the plant itself, environment and public health. Many nutrients
found in treated sewage are beneficial to the plants. However, the probable presence
of pathogens and heavy metals in such treated sewage may restrict such uses as
claimed by local people. The studies of Pescod (1992) and Harris et al. (2004)
supported the use of treated sewage in irrigating different plants with care should be
paid to the health risks due to the possibility of the presence of pathogens. Many of
the ions which are harmless or even beneficial at relatively low concentrations may
become toxic to plants at high concentration. In general, the potential for plant injury
caused by water or treated wastewater deficits or excess can be minimized by
identifying and meeting plant needs (Ferrini and Fini, 2011). Although fertilizers are
rarely used to support the growth of median trees and shrubs in the Gaza City, many
studies pointed out that the mulching with compost is a useful practice to improve
plant growth, leaf gas exchange and leaf chlorophyll content. In addition, it has
110
beneficial effects on soil physical properties (Watson, 2002; Ferrini et al., 2005 and
Ferrini et al., 2008).
Local people claimed strategy to maintain median trees and shrubs by put fences
around trees and shrubs or its fruit, regular irrigation and pruning, use organic
fertilizer and pesticide and raise citizen awareness on correct methods for caring
trees and shrubs. Also they suggestion to choose new species of trees and shrubs,
continues management to median trees and shrubs by municipality, increase
awareness to local people about the important and methods for maintain median trees
and shrubs.
6 Chapter VI
Conclusion and
Recommendation
112
Chapter VI
Conclusion and Recommendation
6.1 Conclusions
The present work is composed of two parts: field and questionnaire-based surveys of
median trees and shrubs in five selected streets in Gaza city, Gaza Strip. The
following conclusions were reached at the end of the present work:
1. The five selected streets of Gaza city showed a considerable variation and
diversity of median trees and shrubs. A total number of 4060 trees and shrubs
belonging to 45 species, 25 families and 15 orders were identified and
encountered.
2. The Rosales was the biggest order and comprised 16% of the recorded species.
3. Both exotic and native species of median trees and shrubs were encountered.
Native species comprised 17.39%, while rest species (80.43%) were exotic.
4. The Al-Jalaa Street had the highest number of species (29) which represents
59.18% of the whole species recorded in the targeted streets.
5. The Oleander (Nerium oleander) was the most common species and constituted
38.23% of the occurrence of the recorded species.
6. The questionnaire-based survey ensured that most respondents believed on the
importance of median trees and shrubs for humans and environment in addition
to their vital role in attracting animal biodiversity elements, especially birds.
7. The threats facing median trees and shrubs are diverse. Destruction by citizens,
overgrazing by livestock, poor irrigation, garbage disposal and burning, and
mismanagement by the responsible parties are clear threats.
8. Local people showed good attitudes and advices toward conserving median
trees and shrubs.
113
6.2 Recommendations
In the light of the above conclusion, the following could be recommended:
1. There is a need to increase the diversity and numbers of median trees and shrubs
in streets and road of the Gaza Strip due to their vital environmental, ecological
and economic values.
2. The selection of median trees and shrubs that are suitable for the local
environmental challenges is recommended. Species that are tolerable to salinity
and water shortage are preferred.
3. The role of municipalities and other responsible parties concerning with street
trees and shrubs should be enhanced, i.e. good management tools and practices
should be followed up.
4. Particular places for garbage disposal in Gaza streets should be allocated and
controlled in order to protect street trees and shrubs.
5. The public environmental and/or ecological awareness to the citizens towards
median trees and shrubs.
6. The environmental and ecological awareness of local people should be enhanced
and motivated. .
7. Planting of both endemic and exotic trees and shrubs is recommended in order to
increase biodiversity and to lower pest attacks.
8. The role of governmental and non-governmental institutions (municipalities,
ministries, universities and NGOs) that can deal with horticulture and urban
plantations should be encouraged and respected.
9. Creation of herbaria, botanical gardens and public parks is recommended in
times the Palestinian Territories are living in tense political and military
atmospheres.
7 References
115
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8 Appendixes
127
Appendix 1: Questionnaire
الجامعة اإلسالمية بغــــزة كليـــــــــــــة العلـــــــــــوم
ياتيــــة قسم العلـــوم الح ماجستير نبات وفطريات
ثيئخ أشجبر و شجريادإستجبنخ حىل
جزر الشىارع كعنصز تنىع حيىي حضزي يف فلسطني –مذينخ غزح
المواطنة: المواطن / أختي أخي والمعرفي بيئيال الوعي لتقييم غزة مدينة في المواطنين من المعمومات جمع هو االستبانة هذه من الهدف إن
أرجو لذا غزة. مدينة في الرئيسة الشوارع جزر وشجيرات المنزلة الحالية و سبل اإلدارة ألشجار حول لديهم المتحصل المعمومات بأن العمم مع بموضوعية، االستبانة هذه بملء التكرم المواطنة المواطن/أختي أخي منك
تعالى اهلل إنشاء بي المتعمقة بالبيئة النباتية الخاصة جستيرالما رسالة إنجاز في وستساهم سريةى ستبق عميها تعاونكم. لحسن ... أشكركم
: ___________________التاريخ
االستجبنخ رقم
128
2016
غزح مذينخ ىارعش وشجرياد أشجبر ثجيئخ املعزفخ جىانت: أوال
-----------------------------------------------هضله? هب اسن ألشة ضبسع سئس طل ػل .1
ثبػزمبدن, ل رجذ أوخ ألضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسع لإلسبى? .2
)ة( ال ؼن ( أ)
فوب رله األوخ? ,إرا وبذ اإلجبثخ )ؼن(
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بػزمبدن, ل رجذ أوخ ألضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسع للجئخ?ث .3
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
فوب رله األوخ? ,إرا وبذ اإلجبثخ )ؼن(
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ثبػزمبدن, هب أصل األضجبس الطجشاد الوجدح ف جضس الطاسع? .4
)ة( دخلخ )أصلب هي خبسج فلسطي( )أ( هزطخ أ ثلذخ )أصلب هي فلسطي(
)ج( والوب
الشخصيخ الجيبنبد
:الؼوش :الجس
:الوخ :الزؼلو الوسز
:األالد ػذد :االجزوبػخ الذبلخ
129
?س الطاسعأضجبس ضجشاد هثوشح ف جض جذل .5
)ة( ال ؼن ( أ)
)ؼن(, فوب أاع األضجبس الطجشاد الوثوشح الز رؼشفب? اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
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ل رذجز صساػخ األضجبس الطجشاد الوثوشح ف جضس الطاسع? .6
)ة( ال ؼن ( أ)
ه?فسش هي فضل –أ )ال( )ؼن( اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
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ألضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسع? الزصبدخل رؼزمذ ثجد أوخ .7
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
)ؼن(, اروش أاػب لزله األضجبس الطجشاد هغ روش أوزب االلزصبدخ? اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
األوخ االلزصبدخ الطجشح أ الطجشح
جضس الطاسع ?طجخ ف رؼزمذ ثجد أضجبس ضجشاد ل .8
)ة( ال ؼن ( أ)
هب أوزب الطجخ? فوب أاػب? )ؼن(, اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
األوخ الطجخ الطجشح أ الطجشح
ثبػزمبدن, هب أن هوضاد األضجبس الطجشاد الز رفضل صساػزب ف جضس الطاسع? .9
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130
ل رؼزمذ ثأى أضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسع لب ضشس ػل الجخ الزذزخ للطبسع? .11
)ة( ال ؼن ( أ)
, فوب ع الضشس الز رذذث ز األضجبس ثبلجخ الزذزخ?)ؼن( اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
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جبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسع ف صبدح الذادس الوشسخ?ثبػزمبدن, ل رزسجت أض .11
)ة( ال ؼن ( ة)
?اروش أهثلخ ػل أاع الذادس)ؼن(, اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
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?أضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسعرذد جذ هخبطش رل ثبػزمبدن, .12
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
وزب?الوخبطشرجؼب ألزله أهثلخ ل إرا وبذ اإلجبثخ )ؼن(, فبروش
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ل رطبذ فببد صلجخ ثجاس أضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسع ? .13
)ة( ال ؼن ( أ)
هب هخبطشب? ز الفببد الصلجخ ثبػزمبدن?)ؼن(, فوب هصذس اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
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الشىارع وشجرياد أشجبر تىاجه يالت املهذداد: ثبنيب
131
ت أضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطاسع?ل رؼزمذ ثجد آفبد رص .14
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
طجشاد?الألضجبس لأروش أهثلخ ػل افبد الوخبطش الز رسججب ف)ؼن(, اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
الوخبطش افخ
اسع?ثؼض األضجبس الطجشاد هي جضس الطالزؼذ ػل ل زنثبػزمبدن, .15
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
? لوبرا?الزؼذ ػلبزن أاع األضجبس الطجشاد الز ,اروشإرا وبذ اإلجبثخ )ؼن(
الزؼذسجت أ الطجشاد األضجبس
احليىاني احليىي التنىع عنبصز اجتذاة يف الشىارع وشجرياد أشجبر دور: ثبلثب
?الذا ػبصش الزع الذ اجززاةاد الطاسع ف ل رؼزمذ ثجد دس ألضجبس ضجش .16
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
?أهثلخ لؼبصش الزع الذ الز رجززثبإرا وبذ اإلجبثخ )رؼن( فبروش
األاع الىبئبد
الثذبد
الطس
الضادف
الذطشاد
?الذخ ىبئبدل رؼزمذ ثجد هبفغ لزله ال .17
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
?الذخ ز الىبئبد رمذهبفوب الوبفغ الز ,إرا وبذ اإلجبثخ )رؼن(
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132
ل رؼزمذ ثجد هخبطش لزله الىبئبد? .18
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
فوب الوخبطش الز رلذمب ز الىبئبد? ,ؼن(إرا وبذ اإلجبثخ )
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: إدارح وصىن أشجبر وشجرياد جزر الشىارعراثعب
جضس الطاسع? رملوأضجبس ضجشاد ل رزخز الجلذخ إجشاءاد لذوبخ .19
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
?أروش أهثلخ للطشق الوزجؼخ ف رلهف )ؼن(,جبثخ إرا وبذ اإل
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ل رؤذ اسزخذام هب الصشف الصذ الوؼبلجخ ف س األضجبس الطجشاد ف جضس الطاسع? .21
)ة( ال ؼن ( أ)
فسش هي فضله? –أ )ال( )ؼن( اإلجبثخإرا وبذ
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جضس الطاسع? ف س أضجبس ضجشاد طشلطػبال هب أوثش .21
)ة( سبساد الوب الزمظطشمخ ( أ)
---------------------------)د( أخش: والوب ( ج)
اسع?جضس الط أضجبس ضجشاد س رمن ػولخ ثبػزمبدن, وف .22
هزسظ س)ة( هزظن دائن س ( أ)
س ضذخ غش هزظن ( ج)
?ف جضس الطاسع صساػخ األضجبس الطجشاد لزذػنل رسزخذم األسوذح الوخصجبد .23
)ة( ال ؼن ( )أ
?هغ روش أهثلخ لب اع األسوذح الوسزخذهخفوب أ ,جبثخ )ؼن(إرا وبذ اإل
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- : )أ( ػضخ
133
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- :)ة( ووبئخ
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------: خشأ)ج(
وف وىه الذفبظ ػل أضجبس ضجشاد جضس الطبسع?, ػل الصؼذ الطخص .24
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?؟ل لذه أ رؼلمبد أ همزشدبد أ رصبد أخش .25
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شكرا لحسن تعاونكم
الباحثة / آيات صبد الحميد صباس
134
Appendix 2: Facilitate the task
135
Appendix 3: Questionaire Arbitration
136
137
138
139
140
Appendix 4: Questionaire Analysis
Table 4: The characteristics of the research sample (N=180)
Variable Frequency Percent (%)
Sex
Male 74 41.1
Female 106 58.9
Age
Less than 20 years 39 21.7
From 21 to 30 years 48 26.7
From 31 to 40 years 29 16.1
From 41 to 50 years 30 16.7
51 years and more 34 18.9
Educational level
Secondary and less 34 18.9
Diploma 13 7.2
Bachelor 131 72.8
Master 2 1.1
Career
Employee 58 32.2
Worker 8 4.4
Practitioner 20 11.1
University student 60 33.3
Unemployed 34 18.9
Marital status
Single 79 43.9
Married 101 56.1
Children No.
From 1 to 5 children 56 31.1
6 children and more 36 20.0
Have no children 88 48.9
Table 5: Knowledge aspects of median trees and shrubs of Gaza city streets
(N=180)
Variable Frequency Percent
1. The nearest main street to your house
Al-Shuhada Street 31 17.2%
Al-Jalaa Street 41 22.8%
Jamal Abd El-Naser (Al-Thaltheeny) Street 40 22.2%
Awn Al-Shawa street (Street 8). 39 21.7%
Al-Aqsa Street 29 16.1%
2. The importance for median trees and shrubs for human
Yes 174 96.7%
No 6 3.3%
141
3. The importance for median trees and shrubs for environment
Yes 174 96.7%
No 6 3.3%
4. The origins of median trees and shrubs
Endemic (From Palestine Originally) 45 25.0%
Invasive (From outside Palestine) 5 2.8%
Both. 130 72.2%
5. Fruit trees and shrubs in the median
Yes 100 55.6%
No 80 44.4%
6. Prefer planting trees and shrubs in the median
Yes 49 27.2%
No 131 72.8%
7. Believe in the economic importance of the median trees and shrubs
Yes 47 26.1%
No 133 73.9%
8. Believe that there is a medical trees and shrubs in the median
Yes 92 51.1%
No 88 48.9%
Table 6: Threats that faces median trees and shrubs (N=180)
Variable Frequency Percent
10 Median trees and shrubs cause any damage on the median
infrastructure
Yes 61 33.9%
No 119 66.1%
11 Median trees and shrubs cause increase in traffic accidents
Yes 89 49.4%
No 91 50.6%
12 Risks threat median trees and shrubs
Yes 124 68.9%
No 56 31.1%
13 Solid waste beside the median trees and shrubs
Yes 143 79.4%
No 37 20.6%
14 Lesions afflict the median trees and shrubs
Yes 127 70.6%
No 53 29.4%
15 Median trees and shrubs get attack
Yes 113 62.8%
No 67 37.2%
142
Table 7: The rule of median trees and shrubs in attracting animal biodiversity
elements (N=180)
Variable Frequency Percent
16 Rule for median trees and shrubs in attracting animal biodiversity elements
Yes 156 86.7%
No 24 13.3%
17 Benefits from those organisms
Yes 137 76.1%
No 43 23.9%
18 Risks from those organisms
Yes 98 54.4%
No 82 45.6%
Table 8: Management and preservation of median trees and shrubs (N=180)
Variable Frequency Percent
19 The municipal make protection and trimming procedures for median
trees and shrubs
Yes 98 54.4%
No 82 45.6%
20 Support using treated sewage in irrigating median trees and shrubs
Yes 108 60%
No 72 40%
21 The most common ways in irrigating median trees and shrubs
Dripping 77 42.8%
Water cars 52 28.9%
Both 47 26.1%
Other 4 2.2%
22 Evaluate the median trees and shrubs irrigation procedure
Organized and continuous irrigation 35 19.4%
Medium irrigation 92 51.1%
Unorganized and niggardly irrigation 53 29.4%
23 The fertilizers used for supporting of planting median trees and shrubs
Yes 13 7.2%
No 167 92.8%
