A plant for the city
Global warming and the urgency of the urban forest
The researchers said that the increase in temperature on the earth's surface and in the oceans began in the 20th century and are predicted to constantly increasing. This phenomenon is called 'global warming'. But most scientists use the term: climate change, arguing that it is happening now is not just a matter of increasing the heat of air, but also climate change is a very significant and unexpected.
Considering the conditions so came the idea of developing an urban forest. Urban forest, according to one definition, are plants or woody vegetation on urban areas that provide environmental benefits as much as possible in the utilities protection, aesthetics, recreation, and other special uses. (See: link)
There are various benefits of urban forests, of course, as a component for the protection of people's lives, who live in urban areas and surrounding areas. Urban forests can also serve as a pollutant absorber, absorbing odors, noise barriers, wildlife habitat, climate amelioration, reduce the danger of flooding, reducing the intrusion of sea water, ground water management, windbreaks and others.
To that end, the plant that was very beneficial for the urban environment is a plant called scientific "Mimusops elengi L". We call it in Aceh-Sumatra: Kupula (Malay: Tanjung; English: Spanish cherry).
This plant has multiple functions: it has a high resistance to the cement dust pollution and high capability in adsorb (adsorption) and absorbs (absorption) of cement dust; not sensitive to air pollution although adsorption capability against low lead. In addition, the plant was also fragrant to neutralize the stench. The flowers can be utilized by the public to improve health, as well as aesthetic value. Thus, this plant is very good for the development of urban forests in the factory, on area with the high air pollution, in the area of the landfill or in the slums and congested. (See: link)
Kupula (Spanish cherry) is a tropical tree, mostly in Asia and the United States. Probably derived from India and then spread to Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka and other tropical areas, and grows on sandy soil, in the open plains. Kupula can live well in places that are open and direct sunlight. (See: link)
As a shade plant and trimmer
This plant is a shade plant. The leaves are very lush and dense and fragrant flowers. Crown shape is beautiful, blend of shapes and color of leaves are shiny green and ripe fruit that is red or red-orange, so these plants are very good for the garden components, as well as to plant shade.
As medicine
Plant parts such as roots, bark, leaves and flowers are used as ingredients of medicines. Mimusops elengi has long been used by people to treat diarrhea, asthma, inflammation of the nose and sore throat.
As absorbing air pollution
Kupula or Tanjung is one of the absorbent media pollutants or reduce air pollution generated by industrial and transportation. Through the leaves, the plant is able to capture particles of lead emitted by motor vehicles. The other, this plant, as the urban forest also acts indirectly as noise cancellation, reducing the danger of acid rain, absorbent carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, windbreaks and others. (See: link)
If it absorbs pollution, which is brilliant, what is the timeframe for the plant to convert these pollutants into harmless substance. A moot point because it looks a great solution in any case! Looks like it is good for freestanding and hedge plantings too. Great post, voted and followed!
First of all, thanks for the response and comments.
I don't know yet the timeframe for the plant to convert these pollutants into harmless substance, but that has been explained in a scientific article is:
Evidence or the effect of the absorption of pollutants by exposure to CO, NOx, SOx and lead on the headland plants are easily found on the leaves. Examples of acute effects are chlorosis and necrosis on the leaf surface which can cause leaf tissue becomes damaged and die so it concluded that exposure to vehicle emissions have a negative effect. Marked by the number of damaged leaves on a plant by exposure to pollutants more than control leaves. See, link.
That's all I know recently. Thanks again.