Biodiversity in landscape design

Abstract

Sri Lanka is one of the Biodiversity Hot Spots in the world. It has a high species richness and a high endemism in flora and fauna. Of the total number of plant species present in Sri Lanka, about 75% are indigenous and about 25% are exotics. In this dissertation, the use of indigenous, endemic and exotic plant species in landscape designing is discussed. Chapter I is an introduction to the current status of biodiversity. The aims and objectives of the study also pointed out. Recorded figures of biodiversity are stated in Appendix I. Chapter II explains the climatic and geographical background of Sri Lanka which has been supported to become a hot spot of biodiversity. The traditional landscaping in villages is associated with houses and the weva. Traditional home gardens are created with most of the indigenous or endemic plant species to Sri Lanka. Ancient gardens such as Rnmasu Uyana and Mahamegha Uyana were landscaped with the indigenous plants of the same area. Features of those landscaping is discussed in Chapter III. During colonial period, with introduction of exotic plant species, they were widely used in landscape designing. Colombo Museum Garden is highlighted here. Chapter V includes a present study of some existing landscapes of different use. The Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Vihara Maha Devi Park, Independence Square and Colombo Town Hall are discussed here. Use of indigenous plants in private gardens like Lunuganga and Dambulla Arboretum are emphasized. The availability of exotic plants in plant nurseries around Colombo are highlighted and listed in Appendix II. Chapter V reviews the use of indigenous and endemic plant species in above mentioned landscapes. A list of endemic and indigenous trees, shrubs and herbs used in landscape designing are given in Appendix III. Effect of endemic and indigenous plant species on butterflies is discussed in Appendix IV.