Selection and uses of species in urban afforestation in Maranhão, Northeast Brazil: an ethnobotanical approach.

This study aimed to assess the diversity and composition of species that make up urban forestry and the factors that determine the choice and maintenance of plants by residents of São Francisco do Maranhão. Interviews were conducted in homes or commercial establishments that had trees in front of them, and the species were classified into categories of use. A total of 317 trees from 16 families and 32 species were analyzed; the most abundant individuals were Azadirachta indica A. Juss. and Terminalia catappa L. When comparing exotic and native individuals, significant differences were identified between them. 201 interviews were conducted, and according to the results, exotic plants filled the utility gaps of native species in almost all categories, except medicinal ones. It was possible to verify the importance of exotic species locally, especially Azadirachta indica A.Juss., due to their uses. This species stood out in the community due to the number of individuals found in urban forestry and because it is considered a versatile tree, because in addition to its strong use for shading, it is used in ornamentation and in the treatment of some diseases.