engleski

Change of visual historical identity of the City of Dubrovnik caused by invasive and potentially invasive plants

The research determines the extent of changes in the visual character of the landscape from the aspect of vegetation, in the administrative area of the City of Dubrovnik in the last two centuries. The aim was to make inventarisation of invasive and potentially invasive plant species that permanently changed the visual historical identity of the landscape in the observed period. As methods analysis of historical literature and graphic documents, as well as field survey have been applied. The second half of the 19th century and the entire 20th century were marked by numerous introductions of exotic plants, mostly for aesthetic reasons, caused by the development of tourism which conditioned a paradigm shift in the experience of the Mediterranean landscape. Although today there is an awareness of allochthones especially invasive species that permanently change the character of the landscape of the City of Dubrovnik, some plant species are widespread to such an extent that the possibility of their eradication is questionable. This is especially true of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, but also Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. The process of transformation of the landscape, i.e. the change surface cover in the observed area, was dominantly transformed from the beginning of 20th century onwards. Over time, parts of natural stands have been cleared and repurposed into agricultural land. Olive groves and vineyards were especially in 19th century located on the terraced slopes in the public landscaping spaces of the City of western and southern exposure and were forming a specific visual identity. By abandoning agricultural activity, stronger urbanization and changes in the economy structure during 20th century, much of the cultivated area is left again to natural succession processes. Therefore, on many cultivated areas during the natural vegetation succession, a Pinus halepensis Mill. forests are developed. For example, on the slopes of protected parkforest Petka, until the 19th century were olive groves. By the end of 19th century these slopes were already covered with P. halepensis. Nowadays on these slopes many A. altissima stands can be traced. In conclusion, we emphasize the necessary regular maintenance of City’s greenery, the need of autochthonous vegetation planting, also wearing the visual historical identity of the City area.

native plants ; exotics ; flora inventarisation ; historical map

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