Application of synanthropic plants in the design of green spaces in Warsaw (Poland)

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the study was to summarize the use of synanthropic vegetation in public green areas of selected Polish cities. The study included issues related to phytosociology and landscape architecture. For this purpose, a literature study was performed. Part 1 identified possible ways of using synanthropic vegetation in the design of public green areas, Part 2 showed examples of such areas from Warsaw. The authors suggested species that can help enrich urban lawns, part 3 contains proposition of plant species composition for more natural lawns in city parks, including synanthropic plants typical for Poland (prepared by the authors). The process of gradual introduction of synanthropic vegetation in Poland was summarized and compared to the trends in Western European countries. The urban policy of Warsaw regarding the mowing of lawns and the use of flower meadows was briefly described, which influences the presence of synanthropic species in the urban environment. A watershed moment for the use of synanthropic species in Poland was identified, as well as the authors‘ predictions for their future use.