Colonial history impacts urban tree species distribution in a tropical city

摘要: Abstract Urban forests associated with green infrastructure for sustainable outcomes are particularly critical in the Global South, where some of world’s fastest-growing cities located. However, compared to temperate cities, drivers urban tree species distribution tropical remain understudied. In this study, we quantify spatial and abundance city Georgetown, Guyana. British colonialism has shaped city, including forced movement peoples under slavery from Africa indentured servants Indian Subcontinent. We studied how multicultural context influenced distributions capital only Anglophone country South America. quantified using a stratified sampling design distribute transects across fifteen neighborhoods that vary distance colonial center ethnic composition. recorded total 57 unique species, majority which (73%) were cultivated their edible fruits. identify likely represent Guyana’s heritage by comparing our list flora nine neighboring countries (Venezuela Brazil) different histories. This international comparison identified set occurred Relationships between composition history weak at neighborhood scale, proportion East residents had little explanatory power was correlated groups. apparent discrepancy national scales may relate establishment Guyanese food as unifying identifier ethnicities. The prominence fruit trees study suggests could be incorporated into planning strengthen biocultural linkages, foster cultural integration, promote security.