FLORISTIC SURVEY AND BOTANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A SELECTION OF SPECIES WITHIN THE URBAN FORESTRY OF UFERSA – PAU DOS FERROS CAMPUS/RN

Abstract

Vegetation on university campuses acts as strategic green infrastructure for thermal comfort and biological conservation. This study aimed to perform a floristic inventory and botanical characterization of tree species at UFERSA – Pau dos Ferros/RN, analyzing their composition and origin. The methodology consisted of a quali-quantitative census with taxonomic identification based on the APG IV system and the Flora e Funga do Brasil database. A total of 121 individuals across 12 specific taxa were recorded. Results reveal a predominance of exotic species (54.5%), notably Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera, while natives, such as Tabebuia aurea, represent 43% of the sample. In conclusion, there is a reliance on allochthonous species, leading to the recommendation of an Afforestation Plan that prioritizes autochthonous Caatinga taxa to enhance the campus's ecological resilience.