Climate influence on native tree growth in two contrasting urban parks of São Paulo, Brazil

Resumen

Urban forests are crucial for adapting cities to climate change due to the provision of ecosystem services. Understanding growth potential under different climates is key to planning resilient urban green spaces. São Paulo, a megacity lying in the Atlantic Rainforest, already suffers climate change impacts. Yet, knowledge of native tree species' vulnerability to climate is limited. To explore the climate impact on tree growth and water deficit, we monitored seven species in two contrasting green areas: an urban park and a large urban Atlantic Rainforest patch. We assessed the daily growth rate and tree water deficit using high-resolution digital dendrometers and monthly phenology over two growing seasons. Results reveal different growth rates and strategies in these green areas. The planted woodland in the urban park displays a higher average growth rate at the cost of a higher tree water deficit. Higher growth likely stems from the lower interspecific competition. Conversely, the higher competition at the urban forest fragment leads to lower growth rates and conservative water use strategies buffering the impact of short-term changes in precipitation volume. These findings reveal the impact of climate on urban trees and the role of dense green areas in promoting urban resilience.

Citation: Figueiredo Candido, L. & Maselli Locosselli, G. 2025. Climate influence on native tree growth in two contrasting urban parks of São Paulo, Brazil. Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46(Número especial 1): 77.

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Sesión Ecología, Interacciones, Medio Ambiente y Cambio Climático.