Urban Greenery: Assessing the Diversity and Ecological Role of Wall-Adherent Flora in Aligarh, (Uttar Pradesh) India

This study assesses the diversity and ecological importance of vascular and non-vascular wall-adherent flora in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Through a comprehensive survey, we identified and documented the plant species growing on walls across different locations within the district. A total of 116 vascular plant species were documented, among which 92 were dicotyledonous, 21 were monocotyledons, and 3 were pteridophytes. Only two plant species of non-vascular flora (bryophytes) were observed. Members of the Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Amaranthaceae families were in the highest number compared to others. The Aligarh district’s most widespread wall flora among perennial woody trees belongs to the species Ficus. The study emphasises the value of vascular wall-adherent flora as a crucial component of Aligarh’s urban vegetation. The presence of a wide range of plant species, particularly woody perennials, atop Aligarh’s city walls demonstrates the city’s age and low level of urbanisation.