Bio 114 Spring 2020 (Reed's Lab)'s Journal

This is the Arbutus unedo (Strawberry tree) that is planted in a street well on my street. Its about 15 feet tall and I did not see any evident signs of insects on it.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42201277

1. I would pick the poplars/cottonwoods tree leaves to be used as toliet paper because the leaves had an extremely soft texture, similar to the leaves of a lamb's ear plant. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42343895
2. Yes, I believe the trees make the street very pleasant, and it was so beautiful strolling through the trees looking at the beauty and uniqueness of each one, and it makes people enjoy getting out and walking around their neighborhood.
3. A pro to planting non-native trees is creating more ecological diversity and enabling new habitats for animals to find protection in, as well as cleaner air, however a con to planting non-native trees is that they may not be able to adapt to the temperatures or conditions and therefore not be able to flourish, and also may cause habitat destruction if they overgrow.

1. Out of the 5 trees that I observed, I would choose the leaves from the Tulip tree (tree 2). The leaves from that tree have a big enough surface area however, they are a bit thin. I would use multiple leaves and layer them.
2. Street trees definitely make neighborhoods more pleasant. Not only do they provide greenery to the area, they provide shade, visual interest (color, verticality, texture), and bring in wildlife to the space.
3. One pro to planting non-native trees in our cities is that it increases diversity in the plant community which can be a great source for educating people. One con is that not all non-native trees would be maintainable which can lead to invasiveness.

Tree 1: Sweet Michelia
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42361995

Tree 2: Tulip tree
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42362366

Tree 3: Jacaranda
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42362854

Tree 4: Tipu tree
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42363138

Tree 5: Gingko/Maidenhair tree
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42363575

If I had to pick one of these trees' leaves to use as toilet paper, I'd definitely select the western redbud because its leaves are smooth. I certainly don't think either one of the pines would work.

I believe street trees definitely make my neighborhood more pleasant because they add so much beauty. They're lovely.

One benefit to planting non-native plants in our cities is that they add more diversity.

One con to planting non-native plants is that they might require a lot more water than native plants, which is bad for a state prone to drought.

Tree 1: Western Redbud
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42118338

Tree 2: Manzanita
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42219048

Tree 3: Interior Live Oak
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42219201

Tree 4: Gray Pine
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42219287

Tree 5: Ponderosa Pine
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42219501

If I had to choose a tree leaf to use as toilet paper, I would use the California Buckeye because the leaves are large and smooth.

I think that street trees definitely add beauty to my neighborhood. They provide color, shade and aesthetic value to the spaces where they grow.

A pro to planting non-native trees within our communities is that they add diversity to spaces. A con however, is that they can unintentionally bring harmful pests and diseases that can decimate native species living in the vicinity.

Tree #1: California Buckeye
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42213720
Tree #2: Coast Live Oak
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42213556
Tree #3: Strawberry Tree
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42213434
Tree #4: California Bay
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42213231
Tree #5: Plum Tree (Kota Plum)
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41788698

If I had to choose one of the tree's leaves as toilet paper, I would pick the Weeping Bottlebrush tree.

I think that street trees make my neighborhood more pleasant.

One pro to planting a non native tree in our cities is beautification of the area.

One con to planting a non native tree in our cities is that the tree could be an invasive species in the local ecosystem.

Side note: I was unable to identify 3/5 of the trees.

Tree 1:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42642778

Tree 2:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42642881

Tree 3:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42642949

Tree 4:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42643050

Tree 5:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42643126

If I were to choose one leaf from my observed trees to use as toilet paper, I would choose the Orange tree as its leaves are both smooth and large; the citrus smell is a plus.

Yes, I believe these trees each contribute to making my neighborhood more pleasant as they increase the biodiversity of the local ecosystem.

Planting non-native trees in our cities increases the diversity of the region but can intrude on native species' habitats, which can lead to native species loss.

Tree 1: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42193805
Tree 2: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42194207
Tree 3: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42194754
Tree 4: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42195775
Tree 5: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42195295

1. I think I would use the leaf from the Corymbia ficifolia as toilet paper. It's pretty thick and relatively large, meaning it has good surface area and is not likely to fall apart while in use.
2. I definitely think street trees make my neighborhood more pleasant. I have Chinese Flame Trees right in front of my house, and they make the street so beautiful when they're in bloom.
3. I think one pro to planting non-natives in our area is to give us a more diverse range of trees to look at every day. It also gives us more exposure to the different species around the world. One con to planting non-natives is that they might not grow well in our climate zone.

Tree Observations:

Tree 1:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42720703

Tree 2:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42720704

Tree 3:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42720705

Tree 4:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42720707

Tree 5:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42720710

1. Out of all of the specimens I used for my street tree project, the only viable plant foliage that I would use to wipe would be the "Pittosporum eugenioides". The foliage on this is soft, and actually has a surface area that would keep me clean during the wiping process. The only other plant that didn't have leaves too small was the "Quercus agrifolia" but those leaves are serrated and are sharp. So there ya go...
2. Street trees are great and can add aesthetic value to an area if they are properly maintained. However, many homeowners these days hardly know the species of trees in their yard and frequently neglect the needs of their trees. I think that the street trees in my neighborhood are pretty good, I give people tips on how to care for their plants so that they look nice. Some benefits to street trees include aesthetic value, biodiversity, and they provide a nice shade during hot days.
3. The disadvantages of planting non-native species in an area are totally dependent on the species. Non-native is not synonymous to "invasive" but non-native species can be invasive. In the case that a non-native is also invasive, then it is no bueno thing. Another disadvantage to planting some non-native plant is that it can take away from the sense of place or "genius loci" as local species contribute to that native-home kind of vibe. An advantage to planting to non-native species is that one can increase biodiversity in an area. Introducing new plants can bring some pizzazz, kapop, and shaboom into an area if properly maintained and I am a huge advocate for planting non-native species in an area if needed.

Plant List:

"Pittosporum eugenioides"
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42725903

"Pinus pinea"
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42725767

"Eucalyptus globulus"
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42725450

"Quercus agrifolia"
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42725584

"Hesperocyparis macrocarpa" aka "Cupressus macrocarpa"
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42726178

Among the street trees I observed, if I had to choose one to use as toilet paper I would choose to use leaves from the American Sycamore. Although the Avocado Tree has larger leaves, the leaves of the sycamore are large enough, and much softer and malleable in comparison.
All of the street trees that I observed positively contributed to the feel of the neighborhood. I imagine my experience to be much less pleasant had they not been there. They created shade, provided a sense of enclosure, and helped me to feel engaged with the nature observed in the distant surrounding hills.
A pro to planting non native plants in our cities is that they add interest and allow us to admire plants that we otherwise would not be able to. For example, Ginkgo biloba is native to southeast Asia, but does very well here and so it is planted and admired throughout our California cities. Alternatively, this can distort perceptions of native environments through excessive quantity and diversity of non native species as well as unsustainable maintenance requirements like use of species with high water needs in drought prone environments.

Observed street trees:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42723105
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42723439
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42721957
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42721702
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/42722342