Alternatives to non-native species in restoration planting

Abstract

<p>Hong Kong has an abundance of native tree and shrub species that thrive in the prevailing climate and soil conditions of the Territory. Research studies have suggested that, without human intervention, low scrubland can regenerate on cleared land within 10 years and secondary woodland within 30-40 years. Following recognized ecological restoration practice, however, restoration planting of man-made landscapes in Hong Kong (landfills, quarries, borrow areas, man-made slopes, etc.) has commonly employed fast-growing non-native species within planting mixes to act as pioneers to support the establishment of native species. This article examines the reasons why non-native species almost always become dominant and the vegetation generated on these sites has limited f loristic or faunal diversity. It also considers possible approaches that might now be adopted to re-nature these non-native plantations, and in turn how they might inform our urban planting practices.<br></p>