Leaves anatomical and physiological adaptations of Vinca major ‘Variegata’ and Hedera helix L. to specific roof garden conditions

Sorina A Petra,Cristina R Manescu,Vlad I Popa,Elisabeta Dobrescu,Mihaela I Georgescu,Florin Toma,Monica L Badea

doi:10.15835/nbha48111784

Abstract

Urban agglomerations create extreme microclimates for plants, in which growth, development and survival means adaptation. Plantations expansions beyond the typical gardens to buildings, walls or other build structures were realized in many cities with a rigorous selection of plant species. Although the number of woody species well adapted to the urban environmental conditions is quite large, few species manage to grow and develop on the roofs. Two species - Vinca major ‘Variegata’ and Hedera helix, regularly used for this type of plantations in Bucharest, were selected to understand their mechanism of adaptation. A comparative study was conducted on these species, growing on a rooftop garden and at the ground level into a typical garden. Both species revealed considerable anatomical differences of the leaves. In addition, physiological determinations revealed a stronger intensity of photosynthesis, an intense transpiration and a lower respiration rate at plants grown in the roof garden.

Highlights

The extension of the vegetal carpet from the ground level to the roof of the buildings was imposed as a solution for increasing green areas in these extensive build and polluted environments, and as a manner to insulate and cool the buildings (Galbrun and Scerri, 2017; Cao et al, 2019)
The anatomical studies on leaves of Vinca major ‘Variegata’ collected from plants growing on the two experimental units revealed notable differences (Figure 1)
This study revealed a series of adaptations of leaves at both Vinca major ‘Variegata’ and Hedera helix plants, which were growing in the roof garden

Summary

Introduction

The extension of the vegetal carpet from the ground level to the roof of the buildings was imposed as a solution for increasing green areas in these extensive build and polluted environments, and as a manner to insulate and cool the buildings (Galbrun and Scerri, 2017; Cao et al, 2019). Long-term sustainability of rooftop plantations is based on a rigorous selection of species, considering the plants survival in hard microclimate (shallow soils, modest water, constant wind, extreme temperatures), and the Received: 13 Jan 2020. Received in revised form: 16 Mar 2020. Not Bot Horti Agrobo 48(1):318328 increase of biodiversity, aesthetic of the plantations and benefits for human health (Snodgrass and Snodgrass, 2006; Butler et al, 2012; Whittinghill and Rowe, 2012; Arabi et al, 2015; Eksi et al, 2017; Bădărau, 2018)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion