DREVO Catalog of Trees and Plant Communities

DREVO Catalog of Trees and Plant Communities

A system for selecting plants for forest gardens, land restoration and sustainable development of territories

The DREVO tree and plant community catalog is a systematic knowledge base about plants, their ecological functions, requirements, compatibility, and role in the development of a living landscape.

It is intended for:

design of forest gardens;

restoration of degraded lands;

creation of protective forest belts;

greening of cities;

formation of fruit and nut orchards;

strengthening of slopes and dunes;

restoration of water regime;

conservation of local varieties and genetic diversity;

development of organic agriculture;

creation of sustainable plant communities.

The main principle of the catalog:

A plant is selected not only for its yield or appearance, but above all for its function, place in the ecosystem, and compatibility with other organisms.

1. What is the DREVO catalog?

The catalogue combines four levels of information.

Level 1. Plant species

The biological properties of a particular species are described:

climate requirements;

soil conditions;

need for water;

dimensions;

life expectancy;

growth rate;

ecological functions;

economic use;

possible risks.

Level 2. Variety, ecotype or origin

Plants of the same species can vary significantly.

Therefore, the following are taken into account separately:

variety;

subspecies;

local population;

natural ecotype;

breeding line;

rootstock;

genetic origin.

Level 3. Functional Guild

A guild is a small group of compatible organisms formed around a central plant.

For example:

fruit tree;

pollinator;

berry bush;

nitrogen-fixing plant;

honey herbs;

ground cover species;

deep-rooted plants;

decomposer fungi.

Level 4. Plant community

The community consists of many species and guilds linked by common space, soil, water and metabolic processes.

Examples:

lick;

protective forest belt;

coastal community;

mountain forest;

meadow garden;

wet filtration zone;

Restorative pioneer community.

2. Main categories of plants

2.1. Tall trees

Form the upper tier.

Their functions:

creation of the basic frame;

microclimate regulation;

overheating protection;

accumulation of woody biomass;

creating an environment for birds;

deep extraction of water and minerals;

protection of the territory from the wind.

Examples of functional types:

oaks;

linden trees;

maples;

beeches;

chestnuts;

pine trees;

cedars;

large nut-bearing trees.

2.2 Medium trees

They create a second tree layer.

These include:

most fruit trees;

small nut-bearing species;

flowering trees;

some nitrogen-fixing species;

trees of shelterbelts.

Their functions:

crop production;

filling the space between tall trees;

creation of partial shade;

support for pollinators;

formation of a food supply.

2.3. Low trees and large shrubs

This group includes:

hazel;

elderberry;

red;

they have become sea buckthorn;

aronia;

some species of willow;

tall fruit bushes.

They form the transition between the tree and shrub layers.

2.4. Shrubs

The shrub layer performs many functions:

produces berries;

protects the soil;

creates shelters for animals;

serves as a hedge;

slows down the wind;

holds snow;

supports pollinators.

2.5. Herbaceous perennials

They form the lower productive tier.

Main groups:

medicinal;

food;

fodder;

honey plants;

aromatic;

nitrogen-fixing;

deep-rooted;

soil-protecting.

2.6. Groundcover plants

Their tasks:

protecting the soil from the sun;

suppression of unwanted vegetation;

moisture retention;

reduction of erosion;

accumulation of organic matter;

support of soil organisms.

2.7. Vines

Use vertical space.

These include:

grape;

actinidia;

lemongrass;

hops;

blackberry;

climbing leguminous plants.

Vines should not be planted without taking into account the strength of the support and possible shading from trees.

2.8. Aquatic and coastal plants

Used for:

water purification;

coastal strengthening;

creating an environment for animals;

accumulation of organic matter;

regulation of the temperature of the reservoir.

2.9. Mushrooms

Fungi are a full-fledged part of plant communities.

Main functional groups:

mycorrhizal;

saprotrophic;

wood-destroying;

soil-forming;

edible;

medicinal.

The fungal component cannot be reduced to commercial mushroom cultivation alone. Its primary role is in metabolism and the decomposition of organic matter.

3. Classification of trees according to ecological strategy

Pioneer species

They are the first to populate open or disturbed areas.

Characteristic properties:

rapid growth;

early fruiting;

high seed productivity;

resistance to open sun;

ability to grow in poor soil;

comparatively short life.

Pioneer trees create conditions for more demanding species.

Intermediate species

They develop after partial restoration of the soil.

They:

live longer than pioneers;

form a stable tree layer;

create a deeper shadow;

support the formation of the forest environment.

Late successional species

Typical of mature ecosystems.

Their properties:

long life;

slow initial development;

high ecological value;

ability to exist in a complex forest structure;

formation of a stable microclimate.

4. Classification by main functions

One tree can belong to several functional groups at once.

Fruit

They produce edible fruits.

Examples:

apple;

pear;

plum;

cherry;

merry;

apricot;

peach;

quince;

persimmon;

figs;

mulberry.

Nut-bearing plants

Provides nutritious seeds or nuts.

Examples:

walnut;

hazelnut;

chestnut;

almond;

pistachio;

pine tree;

pecan.

Soil-forming

They form a significant amount of litter and organic matter.

Nitrogen-fixing

They support the nitrogen cycle thanks to symbiotic microorganisms.

Windproof

Possess:

stable trunk;

flexible branches;

developed root system;

dense or multi-tiered crown.

Anti-erosion

They strengthen the soil with roots and protect the surface from precipitation and wind.

Water-retaining

They slow down surface runoff, increase water penetration and maintain a humid microclimate.

Forage

Used as a source:

leaves;

branch feed;

fruits;

seeds;

pods;

flower nectar.

Honey plants

Provide nutrition for pollinators.

It is important to create a continuous flowering sequence rather than relying on one species.

Medicinal

Used as a source:

dry;

leaves;

floral;

fruits;

resins;

kidneys.

Remediation

They are capable of participating in the restoration of contaminated or disturbed soil.

The use of such plants requires control, as contaminants can accumulate in their tissues.

5. Universal type card

Each directory entry must contain the following sections.

5.1. Identification

official Name;

local name;

Latin name;

family;

genus;

view;

subspecies;

variety;

form.

5.2. Origin

natural habitat;

regions of cultivation;

status in the selected region;

native or introduced species;

invasive potential.

5.3. Dimensions

height;

crown width;

barrel diameter;

growth rate;

life form.

5.4 Life expectancy

average;

potential;

beginning of fruiting;

period of greatest productivity.

5.5. Climate

frost resistance;

heat resistance;

drought resistance;

wind resistance;

resistance to humid climate;

altitude range.

5.6. Soil

preferred mechanical composition;

acidity;

depth;

drainage;

compaction tolerance;

salinity tolerance;

need for organic matter.

5.7. Water

need for water;

drought resistance;

resistance to temporary flooding;

dependence on irrigation;

sensitivity to stagnant water.

5.8. World

full sun;

penumbra;

shadow;

changing needs with age.

5.9. Root system

superficial;

deep;

rod;

branched;

aggressive;

prone to overgrowth;

sensitive to damage.

5.10. Flowering and pollination

flowering period;

self-fertility;

pollinators;

importance for insects;

sensitivity of flowers to frost.

5.11. Fruits and seeds

ripening period;

productivity;

edibility;

storage;

processing methods;

seed dispersal.

5.12. Reproduction

seeds;

cuttings;

deductions;

vaccination;

root shoots;

tissue culture.

5.13. Ecological functions

shadow;

wind protection;

soil strengthening;

animal nutrition;

support for pollinators;

creation of shelters;

accumulation of organic matter;

participation in the water cycle.

5.14. Economic use

food;

fodder;

medicinal;

woody;

decorative;

handicraft;

industrial.

5.15. Risks

invasiveness;

toxicity;

allergens;

thorns;

brittleness of branches;

fire hazard;

aggressive roots;

diseases;

common pests with neighboring crops.

6. Catalog of functional groups of trees

6.1. Pioneer trees

Purpose

fast greening;

protection of young soil;

creation of primary shadow;

accumulation of litter;

formation of microclimate;

preparing the area for long-lived species.

Principle of use

Pioneer species do not necessarily persist permanently. Some may be gradually eliminated as the main community develops.

Potential risks

overdissemination;

rapid depletion of water;

fragility;

short lifespan;

suppression of slow-growing species.

6.2. Frame trees

These are the main long-lived trees of the community.

They define:

future appearance of the territory;

structure of the upper tier;

light distribution;

wind movement;

formation of forest soil.

Frame species are selected with a lifespan of at least 50–150 years.

6.3. Soil-improving trees

Main properties:

abundant leaf fall;

rapid decomposition of leaves;

deep root system;

the ability to lift minerals from lower horizons;

support of soil fungi;

formation of a loose structure.

6.4 Nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs

They are used as auxiliary plants.

Their functions:

fertility support;

biomass creation;

protection of major crops;

feeding function;

soil strengthening.

Nitrogen fixation doesn't mean that a plant endlessly releases nitrogen to its neighbors. A significant portion of the nitrogen becomes available after the death of roots, leaves, or pruned material.

6.5. Windbreak trees

An effective shelterbelt must be partially permeable.

A completely solid wall can create strong turbulence behind the strip.

The optimal system includes:

low shrub edge;

medium trees;

high central row;

gradual decrease in height on the opposite side.

6.6. Erosion control trees

They are selected based on the following criteria:

developed root system;

ability to gain a foothold on a slope;

wind resistance;

ability to form undergrowth;

moderate crown weight;

restoration after damage.

Trees alone aren't enough to protect a slope. Shrubs, grasses, mulch, and runoff management are also necessary.

6.7. Coastal trees

Used by about:

rivers;

channels;

lakes;

ponds;

temporary watercourses;

filtration zones.

Functions:

strengthening of banks;

shadow for water;

runoff filtration;

habitat creation;

absorption of excess nutrients.

6.8. Drought-resistant trees

Possess one or more of the following characteristics:

deep roots;

small or hard leaves;

seasonal decrease in activity;

ability to tolerate the loss of some foliage;

effective regulation of evaporation.

The drought tolerance of an adult tree does not mean that a young seedling does not need watering.

6.9. Salt-tolerant trees and shrubs

Used in:

coastal zones;

saline soils;

regions with salt aerosol;

projects with mineralized water.

It is necessary to distinguish:

soil resistance to salt;

leaf resistance to salt aerosol;

tolerance to saline irrigation water.

These are different characteristics.

6.10. Fruit trees

The fruit type is assessed not only by the taste of the fruit, but also by:

stability;

flowering period;

needs for pollinators;

water consumption;

storage ability;

suitability for processing;

compatibility with the local climate;

disease resistance.

6.11. Nut trees

Valued for:

nutritional value;

long-term storage;

recyclability;

oil production;

durability.

Please take into account:

large crown size;

shading;

late onset of fruiting;

possible allelopathy;

difficulty of collection.

6.12. Forage trees

Can provide:

leaves;

young shoots;

fruit;

seeds;

pods;

shade for animals.

Before use, it is necessary to confirm the safety of the plant for a specific animal species.

6.13. Honey trees

The catalog should show:

flowering time;

duration;

nectar availability;

pollen availability;

weather dependence;

compatibility with other honey plants.

The goal is to create a continuous flowering season.

6.14. Medicinal trees

For each type the following are indicated:

parts used;

collection time;

processing methods;

contraindications;

possible toxicity;

the need for laboratory control.

6.15. Cultural Heritage Trees

This group includes:

traditional local varieties;

old fruit trees;

memorial plantings;

historic groves;

trees associated with local culture;

rare forms of folk selection.

Their value is not always measured by yield.

7. What is a plant community?

A plant community is not a random collection of species.

It is a system within which plants interact through:

world;

water;

root space;

organic matter;

mycorrhiza;

pollinators;

animals;

microorganisms;

seasonal cycles.

A well-designed community should be:

multi-tiered;

functionally diverse;

adapted to the location;

resistant to disturbances;

capable of developing gradually;

controlled by man without a constant struggle with nature.

8. Main tiers of community

The first tier is tall trees

Creates the upper frame.

The second tier is medium-sized trees.

Fills the space under the upper canopy and between large trees.

The third tier is low trees and shrubs

Forms a forest edge and productive undergrowth.

The fourth tier is tall grasses.

Includes medicinal, food and forage plants.

Fifth tier - low grasses

Protects the soil surface.

The sixth tier is groundcover plants.

Forms a living protective layer.

The seventh tier is the root

Includes plants with varying root depths.

The eighth tier is vines.

Uses vertical supports.

The ninth tier is fungal and microbiological

Provides decomposition, metabolism and soil formation.

9. Main types of plant communities

9.1 Pioneer Recovery Community

Purpose

Launch of restoration of a heavily disturbed area.

Composition

fast-growing trees;

nitrogen-fixing shrubs;

resistant grasses;

ground cover species;

plants with deep roots;

local pioneer species.

Tasks

cover open soil;

reduce overheating;

stop erosion;

accumulate organic matter;

create a microclimate;

prepare conditions for the next stages.

9.2. Soil-forming community

The main goal

Increase in the amount of organic matter and biological activity.

Components

trees with abundant litter;

shrubs;

perennial herbs;

deep-rooted plants;

mushrooms;

wood decomposers.

9.3. Anti-erosion community

Applies to:

slopes;

ravines;

shores;

sandy surfaces;

areas with strong surface runoff.

Structure

trees with stable roots;

shrub strips;

dense grasses;

creeping plants;

dead wood;

water-retaining elements.

9.4. Windproof community

It is created as a multi-tiered strip.

Outer edge

Low shrubs and herbs.

Middle tier

Dense shrubs and medium trees.

Central tier

Tall, stable trees.

Inner edge

Fruit, fodder and honey plants.

9.5. Lesotho

A forest garden combines the functions of a forest and a productive garden.

It may include:

fruit trees;

nut-bearing trees;

berry bushes;

medicinal plants;

vegetable perennials;

vines;

mushrooms;

honey plants.

The main difference between a forest garden and a regular garden is the multi-layered and functional interrelationship of plants.

9.6. Fruit and nut community

The central task is the sustainable production of nutritious foods.

To increase stability it is necessary to combine:

early and late varieties;

main crops and reserve crops;

different flowering periods;

different types of roots;

plants for pollinators;

ground cover species;

protective plants.

9.7. Berry Community

Includes berry bushes, herbs and groundcover plants.

Particular attention is paid to:

illumination;

humidity;

soil acidity;

protection from birds;

maturation sequence.

9.8. Meadow Garden

Combines rare groups of trees and a diverse grass cover.

Functions:

harvest;

haystack;

grazing;

support for pollinators;

open landscape;

conservation of meadow biodiversity.

Mowing is carried out in stages to preserve the food supply for insects.

9.9 Silvopastoral community

Unites trees, grasses and animals.

Trees provide:

shadow;

wind protection;

additional feed;

improving the microclimate;

water retention.

It is necessary to protect young trees from damage by animals.

9.10. Forest edge

The edge is the transition between open space and the forest.

Correct edging includes:

herbs;

low shrubs;

tall shrubs;

low trees;

main forest layer.

It increases the forest's resistance to wind and supports a large number of species.

9.11. Coastal community

Formed along reservoirs and watercourses.

Includes:

moisture-loving trees;

shrubs;

coastal grasses;

aquatic plants;

filter-feeding plants.

Main tasks:

coastal protection;

filtration;

shadow creation;

support of aquatic biodiversity.

9.12. Wet filtration zone

Used for natural water purification.

The system may include:

settling part;

marsh plant zone;

gravel-root filter;

open body of water;

protective coastal belt.

Such a system requires engineering and sanitary calculations.

9.13. Dry forest garden

Designed for regions with limited water.

Basic principles:

sparse planting of large trees;

deep soil preparation;

rainwater collection;

thick layer of mulch;

use of drought-resistant species;

temporary protection of young plants;

gradual reduction of watering.

9.14. Mediterranean Community

Characteristic features:

winter precipitation;

dry summer;

heat-resistant species;

evergreen plants;

aromatic herbs;

high role of fire risk management.

9.15. Mountain community

Designed taking into account:

heights;

slope exposure;

snow load;

stoniness;

short growing season;

water movement;

dangers of erosion.

North and south facing slopes may require completely different communities.

9.16. Coastal salt-tolerant community

It is formed into several protective zones.

First line

Low, resistant plants that bear the brunt of salt and wind stress.

Second line

Shrubs that retain sand and reduce wind.

Third line

Hardy trees and large shrubs.

Inner zone

More sensitive fruit and agricultural crops.

9.17. Dune stabilization community

Dune restoration doesn't start with the trees.

Subsequence:

Mechanical slowing of sand.

Planting resistant grasses.

Planting creeping plants.

Adding shrubs.

Formation of protected zones for trees.

9.18. Fire-resistant community

Completely non-flammable plant communities do not exist.

You can only reduce the risk.

Used:

gaps between crowns;

managed meadow areas;

plants with less dry biomass;

fallen tree control;

removal of dry branches;

water retention zones;

access for fire-fighting equipment.

9.19. City forest garden

Unites:

landscaping;

food products;

rest;

education;

cooling the city;

rainwater management.

When choosing types, the following are taken into account:

safety;

root system;

size;

fruit fall;

allergens;

resistance to pollution;

conflict with communications.

9.20. Remediation Community

Used on contaminated lands.

Includes plants capable of:

fix pollution;

extract individual substances;

increase organic matter;

support microorganisms;

reduce dusting.

Products from such areas should not be used as food without confirmation of safety.

9.21. Medicinal community

Combines:

medicinal trees;

shrubs;

herbs;

aromatic plants;

honey-bearing species.

For this you need:

precise identification;

pollution control;

collection rules;

meal system;

taking into account contraindications.

9.22. Pollinator community

Created on the basis of a continuous flowering calendar.

It includes:

early spring plants;

spring trees;

summer herbs;

late-flowering shrubs;

nesting sites;

water;

areas without soil cultivation.

9.23. Seed and mother community

It is created for the preservation and propagation of valuable plants.

Includes:

mother trees;

controlled pollinators;

backup copies;

nursery areas;

seed bank;

offspring accounting system.

9.24. Reference natural community

This is an area where natural processes are preserved with minimal intervention.

It serves to:

comparisons;

research;

observations of natural succession;

conservation of local species;

assessment of the results of management of neighboring territories.

10. Plant community passport

Each community receives its own digital passport.

General information

Name;

code;

type;

location;

square;

creation date;

responsible.

Natural conditions

climate;

relief;

soil;

water regime;

illumination;

wind.

Structure

number of tiers;

main types;

accompanying species;

density;

age structure;

condition of the soil cover.

Functions

productive;

soil protection;

water-regulating;

climatic;

feed;

recreational;

educational;

nature conservation.

Management

watering;

pruning;

mowing;

grazing;

thinning;

recovery;

invasive species control;

harvesting.

Monitoring

survival;

increase;

biodiversity;

soil condition;

water balance;

productivity;

natural regeneration;

spread of diseases.

11. Community Selection Matrix

12. Key types and functional roles

Each community needs to identify several types of participants.

Frame types

They form a long-term structure.

Pioneer species

Quickly initiate recovery.

Companion species

Supports the main plants.

Ecosystem engineers

Noticeably change the environment:

retain water;

create shadow;

strengthen the soil;

form shelters.

Indicator species

Shown:

overwatering;

salinization;

compaction;

change in fertility;

violation of the environment.

Rare and protected species

Require a separate data management and protection regime.

13. The principle of functional duplication

An essential function should not be dependent on a single species.

For example, the pollination function must be supported by plants that bloom at different times.

Several tiers must provide protection from the wind.

Food production should be distributed between:

fruits;

berries;

nuts;

perennial vegetables;

mushrooms;

medicinal and fodder species.

Functional duplication increases system stability.

14. Limiting Dominance

Even a beneficial species should not occupy the entire territory without control.

Excessive dominance leads to:

reduction of biodiversity;

equal susceptibility to disease;

one-sided use of water;

accumulation of common pests;

loss of stability.

The catalogue should contain recommendations on the permissible proportion of the species in different communities.

15. Planting density

There are three different densities.

Initial

Used to quickly create protection and microclimate.

Transitional

Formed after the first thinning.

Mature

Corresponds to the final dimensions of adult plants.

Dense initial planting is only permissible with a pre-planned thinning plan.

16. Temporary and permanent plants

Temporary

Perform the following functions:

shadows;

protection;

biomass accumulation;

quick recovery;

support of young trees.

Over time, they may be removed or shortened.

Constant

Form a mature community.

These include:

durable frame trees;

main fruit crops;

resistant shrubs;

hereditary trees;

permanent protective strips.

17. Regional structure of the catalog

A single global list of plants is insufficient.

Regional versions required:

Switzerland and Central Europe;

Alpine region;

Mediterranean;

Atlantic coast;

North Africa;

Morocco;

Western Sahara;

mountainous areas;

steppe regions;

urban areas.

Each regional version must take into account:

climate;

legislation;

natural species;

invasive plants;

local varieties;

availability of planting material;

cultural traditions.

18. Field testing

The catalogue should not be considered as completely complete.

Test sites are being created for new species.

Compared:

origin;

variety;

planting method;

watering;

mulching;

community type;

exposure;

soil.

The following are recorded:

survival;

height;

health;

stability;

bloom;

harvest;

natural reproduction.

19. Evaluation of plant suitability

Each type can be rated on a scale from 0 to 5.

Points are deducted separately for:

invasiveness;

toxicity;

excessive water consumption;

high fire risk;

conflict with infrastructure.

The final assessment should only apply to the specific location and task.

20. Digital catalog DREVO Plant ID

The catalogue integrates with the DREVO Plant ID platform.

The user can search for plants:

by climate;

by region;

by soil type;

according to water needs;

by height;

by function;

by harvest;

by flowering period;

by compatibility;

by risks.

Each plant is associated with:

digital passports of copies;

guilds;

plant communities;

cards;

photographs;

results of field tests;

seminal sources;

nurseries.

21. Educational levels of the catalog

Brief card

For visitors, children and volunteers.

Practical card

For gardeners and farmers.

Professional card

For agronomists, foresters and ecologists.

Science card

For research and long-term monitoring.

Digital passport

For a specific plant or community.

22. Ethical rules

The DREVO catalogue is based on the following principles:

Do not destroy natural communities to create artificial plantings.

Prefer local and proven regional varieties.

Control introduced plants.

Do not spread potentially invasive species.

Maintain genetic diversity.

Respect old trees and traditional varieties.

Do not use rare plants without legal origin.

Do not evaluate a plant solely for its commercial benefit.

Preserve habitats for animals and fungi.

View humans as custodians, not absolute owners, of the ecosystem.

The final structure of the DREVO catalog

**View

variety and origin

growing conditions

ecological functions

economic significance

risks

compatibility

guild

plant community

stage of succession

regional suitability

field observations

digital passport.**

The final principle

The DREVO catalog of trees and plant communities aims to show not only what plants exist, but also what sustainable living systems they can create together.

An individual tree has its own properties, but its full value is revealed only within a community – in interaction with soil, water, fungi, animals, climate, and people.