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Short abstract

Tipu and jacaranda trees have been introduced for landscaping in 30+ cities, thus eliciting a wide range of perceptions. Taking six cities as case studies, this workshop invites a discussion about introduction history, cultural integration and management of invasive species in urban areas worldwide.

Long abstract

The use of non-native species in urban arborization is, to a higher or lesser extent, a controversial issue in different cities. Producing a visually striking combination of yellow and bright purple flowers, tipu and jacaranda trees have been introduced in tamdem to streets and parks of more than 30 cities around the globe. Since the first introdutions in the mid-19th century, the presence of these trees has elicited a wide range of bio-cultural interactions, perceptions, and folklore. Taking these two trees as focal points, this workshop invites a discussion about the role of introduction histories in shaping people's perceptions, cultural integration, and management strategies directed at non-native and invasive species in urban areas. To do so, six cities will be used as case studies: Barcelona (Spain), Brisbane (Australia), Mexico City (Mexico), Pretoria (South Africa), San Diego (USA), and São Paulo (Brazil). First, a visual summary of the introduction history of tipu and jacaranda trees in each of these cities will be presented. Then, participants will be given flashcards containing newspaper clippings, excerpts of literary and academic work, as well as data published by municipal authorities about the two trees. After some time for discussion in small groups, all participants will then be invited to share their peceptions and experiences with the larger group and the panel of invasion ecology scientists.