Evaluating the establishment performance of six native perennial Mediterranean species for use in extensive green roofs under water-limiting conditions

摘要

The rapid growth of many Mediterranean cities in the past 50 years has led to a deficit of urban green space where water availability is the main limiting factor. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the establishment performance of six Mediterranean species for use in extensive green roofs in Mediterranean and semi-arid areas. Asteriscus maritimus, Brachypodium phoenicoides, Crithmum maritimum, Limonium virgatum, Sedum sediforme and Sporobolus pungens plants were grown under well-watered conditions and two levels of water-deficit conditions to assess the effects of water-deficit on their growth capacity, water consumption, photosynthetic capacity, water relations and aesthetic value (relative appearance). After 88 days, the results showed that the water-deficit treatments affected each species differently and revealed differences in the potential ecosystem service benefits that different species could provide.