Functional Evaluation Of Ornamental Plants In The University Campus

This study was conducted to determine the species diversity and functional usage status of ornamental plants used within the borders of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Farabi Campus. The research covers open and semi-open areas throughout the campus, and field studies were carried out between April and June 2024. Within the scope of the study, each plant species was examined in terms of criteria such as scientific and Turkish name, life form, leaf shedding status and purpose of use in landscape. The findings revealed that the plants commonly used on campus were generally preferred for aesthetic purposes but were also used for functional purposes such as shading, windbreaking, orientation and demarcation. Many taxa in the forms of trees, shrubs, bushes, and vines were identified in the campus area; it was observed that shrub species were predominant and native species were used more limitedly than exotic species. Ornamental plants in the campus increase spatial quality and contribute positively to the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the users. However, some species (such as Cercis siliquastrum L. and Lagerstroemia indica L.) has been found to have limited adaptation to regional climatic conditions and caution has been recommended in the use of these species. As a result, this research has provided scientific data for landscape planning and applications at the campus scale and has offered suggestions for sustainable green space management.