The exotic Bombax ceiba tree emerges as an unlikely champion for urban biodiversity in Brazil, supporting numerous bird species and strengthening the human-nature connection.
This research reveals the ecological role of an alien tree, the Bombax ceiba, also known as the Cotton Tree, in supporting the biodiversity of nectar-feeding birds in urban areas whilst posing a low risk of adverse impacts on the environment.
Being a source of abundant nectar, the Bombax ceiba supports a broad ecological spectrum of birds, providing them with essential nutrients during a period of food scarcity.
Bombax ceiba is likely to attract birds and other native animals to cities of varying sizes and degrees of urbanization.
It’s an interesting situation. The environment in a city is already very controlled and artificial that any species of tree that can thrive is useful, especially one that can feed birds. Compared to planting Gingko biloba or other trees solely for aesthetics, B ceiba seems like a good idea, but I don’t know how it compares to native species which could support invertebrates as well as birds, or if the keystone species local to those areas are capable of being planted in an urban environment.
Like you say, it’s artificial and controlled, some indigenous species are unlikely to thrive in that environment. I’d assume in this case, it’s not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good and accepting that the native environment isn’t there any more.
Well, not until they start designing with intact soils. Though we have posted many articles, even here in Lemmy, that says climate change is moving faster than the plants and animals can evolve. It’s all going to change regardless.