Landscaping characterization of the campus at the UEMG Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to characterize the landscape of the campus at the University of the Minas Gerais State (in portuguese, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - UEMG), located at Ituiutaba. As for such, the local plants were identified ranging from herbaceous to shrub type, due to them being the most commonly employed to perform alterations for landscape purposes. Subsequently, some areas of the campus were photographed to create a landscape characterization of the scenery in regard to its landscape's composition and vegetation. 102 species of herbaceous, subshrub, and shrub plants were found belonging to 39 families; 38.23% being native and the other 61.77% being non-native (cultivated, naturalized, and exotic). In regard to the landscape’s composition in loco, the principles of message, equilibrium, scale, dominance, harmony, and climax were contemplated. Furthermore, in regard to the guiding principles for the selection of vegetable species, it was observed that aesthetic, functional and temporal attributes were incorporated in all the analyzed areas. In conclusion, the landscape’s composition of the campus at the UEMG Ituiutaba fulfills its aesthetic, functional and ecological roles, however it’s worth highlighting that the adequate handling can be the defining factor in assuring the continuity of these functions.