Investigate of Landscape Design Use Possibilities of Some Native Ericaceae Family Plants in Turkey

Abstract

The family Ericaceae is a large family of Angiosperms spread throughout the temperate regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It includes plants, shrubs and trees that are often found in acidic and inefficient growing conditions. It offers ecologically based and sustainable landscape design alternatives by using natural species in plant designs. Many species of the Ericaceae family are naturally found in the mountainous and forested areas of Turkey, which is a very rich country in terms of plant species diversity with its geographical location and climate characteristics. Landscape designs created using natural vegetation offer ecologically based and sustainable alternatives. However, in urban areas, natural vegetation is not utilized sufficiently and efficiently. These plants, which create a visual impact with the beauty of their forms, leaves, flowers and fruits in the rural landscape of Turkey, have not found sufficient use in the urban landscape, despite the favorable conditions in terms of climate and growing environment. In this study, the morphological characteristics and landscape usage possibilities of some Ericaceae family plants that grow naturally in Turkey and can be used to create effective landscapes with their aesthetic properties were investigated. It is aimed to encourage the use of these natural species, which have high potential in terms of sustainable and economic applications, in open-green areas.