2016

Author

Anuj Sharma
PLANTATION SPECIES MATRIX FOR
ROADSIDE PLANTATION

REPORT FOR NATIONAL GREEN HIGHWAYS MISSION- NHAI

PLANTATION SPECIES MATRIX IS A FRAMEWORK TO FACILITATE SELECTION OF SUITABLE
TREE/SHRUB SPECIES FOR ROADSIDE PLANTATION.
CONTENTS
Executive Summary............................................................................................ 3
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 4
Green Belt Development ................................................................................... 4
Plantation Species Matrix .................................................................................. 5
Criteria for Selection of Tree/Shrub species ....................................................... 6
Operation Model for Plantation Species Matrix ............................................... 10
selecting appropriate species for median plantation .................................... 15
Selecting appropriate species for Avenue Plantation .................................... 17
Selecting Appropriate Tree/Shrub Species for Block Plantation .................... 21
Negative List of Tree/Shrub Species ................................................................. 22
Bibliography ..................................................................................................... 25

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 PLANTATION SPECIES MATRIX FOR ROADSIDE
PLANTATION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Highways are acknowledged as the growth engine of economic development. Interstate
road infrastructure enables movement of goods, facilitates trades and bridges the
geographical divide amongst Cities. The fact that National Highways account for only 2 % of
the paved roads but still carries 40 % of the automobile traffic signifies its importance in
Indian economy. The incessant movement of vehicles on the highways emitting harmful
gaseous & solid pollutants is a major source of air and noise pollution. High level of Green
house gases and extended dust particles in air poses an imminent health threat for the
commuters and also endangers the biodiversity of the region. Under such circumstances it is
important to take proactive measure for pollution containment on highways. Various
research, case studies and pilot project conducted over the years have confirmed that green
corridors/belts are the effective means of pollution control. Green corridors work as
vegetation buffer around the pollution source and helps in sorption of GHG gases and
collection of dust particles.

Given that green corridors have to face stressed climatic conditions with intake of high level
of gaseous emission (SO2, CO, CO2 & NOX) and Suspended Particulate Matters), it is
important to select the species which are tolerant and at the same time capable in effective
mitigation of pollution. Plantation Species Matrix is a framework to facilitate National
Green Highways Mission - NHAI in selection of suitable tree/shrub species for green corridor
development.

For identification of suitable tree/shrubs an Excel based model has been developed which
compares different plant species on three fundamental Principals – Ecological, Economic
and Aesthetic Value. The model provides ranking of different tree/shrub species based on
their suitability in a particular bio climatic zone. The criteria and indicators for the model
were developed based on the Central Pollution Control Board, MoEF guidelines (ENVIS
Centre, 2000) and the existing guidelines (IRC) SP 21:2009 of Indian Road Congress. Over
200 tree/shrub species were compared and assessed on this tool for identifying the best
suitable species for median and avenue plantation.

There are certain species which have been considered under Negative list of species as
some of them have been found invasive, toxic or performed poorly on the tool.

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INTRODUCTION
India has the world's second largest road network after USA. Out of 46.80 lakh KM long road
networks, National Highways account for 1 lakh km stretch which passes through urban,
rural and forest areas of the country. Clearance of forest and tree felling activities are
inevitable process of highway development which results in large scale environmental
degradation in form of biodiversity loss and release of carbon stocked in trees. Although to
counter the losses Highway projects are bundled with median and avenue plantations but
they are seldom equivalent to the natural ecosystem existing before the development. The
situation becomes critical with incessant movement of vehicles on these roads contributing
further in release of Green house gases and other suspended particulate matters. Pollutants
released in air by vehicles travels to farther areas, posing an imminent health threat for
humans as well as wildlife.

In this respect Ministry of Road, Transport, Highways & Shipping has recently unveiled
Green Highway Policy - 2015 with the vision "to develop highways for economic
development and growth in a sustainable manner with participation of local self
government/private agencies/forest department".

The policy envisions participatory approach for development of green corridors along
highways, which will help in sequestering GHG emissions and will also create millions of
man-days' of employment. National Green Highways Mission- NHAI has been given the
responsibility to implement the Green Highway project and provision of 1% of the Total
Project Cost (TPC) of all National Highway projects has been made for Green Corridor
development along National Highways.

The concern for neutralizing ill effects of pollutions is shared globally; various researches,
case studies and pilot projects conducted over the years identifies green belt as the
effective means of pollution control. As Green belts have to face stressed climatic conditions
involving intake of high level of pollutants (SO2, CO, CO2 & NOX & SPM), it is important to
select species with high pollution tolerance index and effective pollution sorption capacity.

GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT

Vehicles are the mobile sources of gaseous as well as particulate pollution. Components of
green belts on roadside hence should be both absorbers of gases as well as of dust
particulates including even lead particulates. The choice of plants should include shrubs of
heights between 1 to 4 m and tree of 3 to 205 m height, the intermixing of trees and shrubs
should be such that the foliage area density in vertical is almost uniform. A green belt of
such a design and having width of 30 to 50 m will enable higher pollution attenuation
capacity.

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For any green belt development Tree/shrub species shall be selected based on its ecological
importance, economic value and suitability for roadside plantation. The focus shall be on
planting native tree/shrubs species with ecological importance contributing towards higher
GHG sequestration, soil-water conservation, nitrogen fixation etc. Tree/shrubs species with
economic benefits such as fuel, fodder, flower, fruit and timber value shall also be given due
consideration.

The objectives of roadside plantation as envisaged in Green Highway Policy-2015 are

 To develop a systematic
framework for
plantation along
National Highways
 To reduce the impact of
air pollution and dust
 To provide shade on
glaring hot roads during
summers
 To reduce the impact of
noise pollution due to
rising traffic
 To reduce soil erosion
at embankment slopes
 To reduce the effect of
wind and incoming UV
radiation

PLANTATION SPECIES MATRIX

Not every tree/shrub species is capable in fulfilling the objectives as desired for green
corridor. Plantation Species Matrix is a mathematical decision making tool for selection of
suitable tree/shrub species for roadside plantations.

For identification of suitable tree/shrubs an Excel based model has been developed which
compares different plant species on three fundamental Principals- Ecological, Economic &
Aesthetics. The criteria and indicators for the model were developed based on the Central
Pollution Control Board, MoEF guidelines for Green Corridor Development and in
compliance to the existing guidelines (IRC SP 21:2009) of Indian Road Congress for
plantation and landscaping.

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CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF TREE/SHRUB SPECIES

Economic
Sustainability

Highways for
Sustainable
Environment

Aesthetics Ecologiclal
& Road
Safety Security

Economic Aesthetics & Road

Environment Conservation
Sustainability Safety
Min. Eligibility Suitability to a Agro
Criteria climatic zone
Pollution Attenuation
Criteria-1 Utility Height
Capability
Criteria-2 Evergreen or Deciduous
Ease of
Criteria-3 Growth Rate Flowering Pattern
Maintenance
Criteria-4 Tolerant/Stressed

ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION

AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONE
It is assumed that the plantations will be managed through silviculture operations, thus
enabling use of manures required to fulfill any micro nutrients deficiency found in the soil.
Similarly irrigation facility can be managed to avoid water stressed conditions. But to create
a micro climate suitable for natural growth of tree/shrub is not possible on a large scale.
Hence, the species suitable to particular agro-climatic conditions can be eligible for further
evaluation.

Agro climatic zones provides important information about edaphic factors such as Soil
characteristics (Texture, pH, drainage) etc and climatic variables such as rain fall and
temperature. Any species which is suitable to a particular climatic zone will be eligible for
further evaluation on the mathematical model of Plantation Species Matrix.

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As per the planning commission report India has been divided into 15 Agro-climatic zones
which are further sub divided into sub zones.

1. Pollution Attenuation Capability

Every tree/shrub species has different capability for sorption, which depends on various
factors such as its Canopy Size, Leaf Area, Stomata Size, tolerance capability etc. It is
also important to mention that in moist conditions tree/shrubs show higher pollution
sorption capacity.

The pollution attenuation factor (Af) for sources releasing at ground level is given by:
Af = Qwa/ QB
Af = ratio of mass flux of pollutant reaching at distance X1 and X2 in the absence of GB
(QWB) to the mass flux reaching at the same distance in the presence of the GB (QB).

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 Relationship of aforesaid indicators with Pollution attenuation criteria is described in
detail:

a. Canopy shape & size

Dense foliage helps in better trapping of pollutants and also works as wind break.
Openness in canopy allows better filtration capacity whereas large canopy surface
area works as noise barrier.

b. Leaf Area
Larger leaf size helps in greater retention of pollutants. Leaf area density has direct
correlation with pollution attenuation coefficient. Large and broad leaves with
axilliary hairs have better dust retention capacity; similarly leaves with complex
shape and large circumference posses' higher dust capture capability.

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 c. Stomatal Index

Phyllosphere is the sink site for pollutant. Stomatal apertures inside phyllosphere is the
entry point for gaseous pollutants where it gets absorbed and further converted into
sugars and amino acids by mesophyll cells through metabolism process. Stomatal index
is deduced by measuring the size of guard cells through microscope. High stomatal
density, high index and large stomata give high transpiration rate thereby allowing
higher sorption capacity.

2. Evergreen or Deciduous
Longer duration of foliage enables round the year sorption capacity. Thus, evergreen
trees/shrubs will have higher pollution attenuation coefficient as compared to
deciduous or semi –deciduous tree/shrubs

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3. Growth Rate
Trees/shrubs with higher growth rate are able to reach maturity earlier. Early formation
of Canopy is better for pollution sorption as well as for creating barrier for noise.

4. Tolerant or Stressed
Vehicles emit various kinds of pollutants. Primary pollutants are SO2 , NOX, SPM and HF.
There may be cases where a particular species can hold on one type of pollutant better
but is sensitive towards the other, resulting in damage to the plant. Selection of species
with tolerance capability for primary pollutants helps in maintaining the longevity of
green belt.

ECONOMIC VIABILITY
1. Ease of Maintenance
Tree/shrubs which can survive in water stressed and micro nutrient deficient soil will
have higher survival ratio. Also tree/shrubs whose leaves are not palatable can survive
without protection. Thus hardy species with less monitoring requirement are expected
to provide better results in remote locations.

2. Utility
Plants have different economic and social usage Plants which can provide fruit, fodder,
flower, fuel-wood or commercial timber value are likely to be conserved for inherent
benefits. Sustainable harvesting of commercially desirable tree/shrubs will ensure
economically viability of plantation management operations.

AESTHETIC & ROAD SAFETY

Indian Road Congress in (IRC) SP 21:2009 provides exhaustive guidelines for plantation and
landscaping with the point of view of maintaining aesthetic beauty of highways and also
ensuring road safety. Plantation of similar type of tree/shrubs in a row along the median &
avenue provides homogeneity to the landscape and is also soothing to eye of the
commuter. Similarly selection of tree species with appropriate height helps in reducing glare
of light from the vehicles. Ornamental trees/shrubs with longer duration of flowering season
can provide round the year panoramic view.

OPERATION MODEL FOR PLANTATION SPECIES MATRIX

Over 200 tree/shrub species were compared and assessed on this tool for identifying the
best suitable species for green belt plantation. The weightage allotted to different edaphic
and climatic characteristics of tree species have been mentioned in the Scoring Matrix.

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S.no Characteristics Score Remarks
Any species which has shown tolerance for primary
pollutants of vehicular emission have been rated tolerant
Tolerance/
1 1/0 and sensitive species have been categorized as Stressed.
Stressed
Tolerant species have been given a fixed score of 1 mark
and stressed species have got 0 marks.
Evergreen/ Semi- Evergreen trees/shrubs have been given 1 marks, semi-
2 deciduous/ 1/0/5/0 deciduous have been given 0.5 marks and deciduous have
/Deciduous got 0 marks.
Growth rate of the tree/shrub have been classified in
three categories
Fast –Species which can grow in very short span of time -
Growth Rate
1 Marks
3 (Fast/ Quick/ 1/0.5/0
Quick- Species which can grow in short span of time – 0.5
Slow)
marks
Slow- Species which requires longer duration to grow – 0
marks
The tree/shrub in the database having highest canopy
Canopy Surface
4 1 surface area has been given 1 mark and others have been
Area
given score relative to the tree with highest CSA.
The tree/shrub in the database having highest leaf area
5 Leaf Area 1 has been given 1 mark and others have been given score
relative to the tree with highest LA.
The tree/shrub in the database having highest stomatal
6 Stomatal Index 1 index has been given 1 mark and others have been given
score relative to the tree with highest SI.
Canopy Shape Spreading Canopy - 1 Mark
(Spreading/ 1/0.75/ Round Canopy- 0.75 marks
7 Round/Oblong/ 0.5/ 0.25/ Oblong Canopy – 0.5 marks
Flat-crown/ 0 Flat Crown – 0.25 marks
Conical) Conical - 0 mark
Trees/shrubs having round the year flowering season
Flowering
8 0.5 have been given 0.5 marks and others have been rated
Seasonality
relative to them.
Trees with highest recorded uses have been given 1 mark
9 Utility 1 and others have been rated relative to the tree/shrub
with highest UI.
Total 8.5

Based on the above mentioned scoring methodology tree/shrub have been given score
out of 8.5 marks. Brief results of 50 top scoring tree/shrub species have been shown for
reference. Comprehensive database is enclosed at Annexure – 1.

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 Common Stressed/ Growth Evergreen/
Scientific Name Type Score
Name Tolerant Rate Deciduous

Azadirachta indica Neem tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 5.7103

Tamarindus indica
tamarind Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 5.4609
Linn

Cocos nucifera Linn Coconut tree Tree Tolerant Slow Evergreen 5.1685

Thorny
Bambusa arundinacia Shrub Tolerant fast Evergreen 4.9222
bamboo
Ficus benghalensis
Banyan Tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.7907
Linn

Zizyphus mauritiana Ber Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.7104

Caesalpinia White gold

Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.567
pulcherrima mahur

Trema oreintalis Charcoal tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.5319

Alstonia scholaris Devil tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.5103

Peltophorum Copper pod

Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.4574
pterocarpum tree

Samanea saman Jacq Rain tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.4525

Duranta repens Duranta Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.4037

Anona squamosa Linn Custard Apple Tree Tolerant Fast Evergreen 4.4004

Dendrocalamus
lathi bans Shrub Tolerant fast Evergreen 4.4
strictus

Thespesia populnea Umbrella tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.393

Iron wood
Cassia siamea Lamk Tree Tolerant Fast Evergreen 4.3719
tree

Anthocephalus
kadam Tree Tolerant Fast Deciduous 4.341
chinensis

Prosopis cineraria
khejri Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.3218
Linn
India
Acacia nilotica Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.2974
gum/babul

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 Ficus semicordata Drooping fig Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.2961

Madhuca longifolia Mahua Tree Tolerant Quick evergreen 4.2912

Barringtonia powder-puff
Tree Tolerant Fast Evergreen 4.275
racemosa Roxb tree

Ficus benjamina Linn Weeping fig Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.2565

Pongamia
Derris indica Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.2362
pinnata

Terminalia Arjuna Arjun Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.2147

Tabernaemantana
crape jasmine Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.2138
divaricata
Golden
Bambusa vulgaris Shrub Tolerant fast Evergreen 4.2
bamboo
Acacia farnesiana Cassia flower Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1917
Heterophragma
Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1842
roxburghii DC
Umbrella
Acacia tortilis Hayne Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1833
thorn tree
Bullock's
Anona reticulata Linn Tree Tolerant Fast Evergreen 4.1614
heart

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Jasud Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1579

Guazma ulmifolio
Rudraksh Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1451
Lamk
Barringtonia
India oak Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1361
acutangula
Ficus elastica Rubber tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1233

Cassia pumila Lamk Yellow cassia Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1124

Prosopis chilensis Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.112

Prosopis pallida kiawe Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.1083

Dalbergia sisso Roxb Sheesham Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.0876

The persian
Melia azdirachta Linn Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.0762
lilac

Citrus aurantium Linn bitter orange Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.0686

Kigelia africana Lamk Sausage tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.0467

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 Calophyllium Alexandrian
Tree Tolerant Slow Evergreen 4.0449
inophyllum Linn laurel

Ficus gibbosa Blume Datir Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.0299

Hamelia patens Scarlet bush Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.995

Aphanamixis
Rohituka tree Tree Tolerant Slow Evergreen 3.9876
polystachya

Tree/Shrub suitable to agro climatic zone and having good score on plantation species
matrix can be considered for Green belt plantation. Top 30 tree/shrub species for Western
Himalayan Agro Climatic Zone specifically for High Altitude Temperate sub zone are
mentioned below. Comprehensive database for respective agro climatic zones are enclosed
at Annexure- 2.

Scientific Common Stressed/ Growth Evergreen Utility

Type Height Score
Name Name Tolerant Rate Deciduous Index
Azadirachta Neem
Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Evergreen 4 5.71
indica tree
Tamarindus
tamarind Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Evergreen 3 5.46
indica Linn
Ficus
Banyan
benghalensis Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Evergreen 1 4.79
Tree
Linn
Zizyphus
Ber Tree Tolerant Quick 10 Evergreen 4 4.71
mauritiana

India
Acacia nilotica gum/ Tree Tolerant Quick 8 Evergreen 2 4.29
babul
Ficus Drooping
Tree Tolerant Quick 10 Evergreen 1 4.29
semicordata fig
Ficus
Weeping
benjamina Tree Tolerant Quick 12 Evergreen 1 4.25
fig
Linn
Terminalia
Arjun Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Evergreen 3 4.21
Arjuna
Tabernaemant crape
Shrub Tolerant Quick 3 Evergreen 1 4.21
ana divaricata jasmine
Rubber
Ficus elastica Tree Tolerant Quick 12 Evergreen 2 4.12
tree
Ficus gibbosa
Datir Tree Tolerant Quick 10 Evergreen 1 4.02
Blume

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 Aphanamixis Rohituka
Tree Tolerant Slow 13 Evergreen 2 3.98
polystachya tree
Acacia Climbing
Shrub Tolerant Quick 8 Evergreen 1 3.90
pennata Wattle
Meilletia Moulmein
Tree Tolerant Quick 10 Evergreen 1 3.89
peguensis Rosewod
Ficus religiosa
Peepal Tree Tolerant Slow 20 Evergreen 1 3.81
Linn
Buchanania
Chironji Tree Tolerant Quick 13 Evergreen 2 3.77
lanzan spreng
yellow
Tecoma stans
trumpet Shrub Tolerant Quick 5 Evergreen 2 3.73
Linn
bush

Acacia catechu khair Shrub Tolerant Quick 3 Evergreen 2 3.69

Albizia lebbeck Siris tree Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Deciduous 3 3.68

Uimus
Kashmir
wallichiana Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Evergreen 2 3.65
elm
Planch
Eucalyptus Mysore
Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Evergreen 3 3.63
hybrid gum
Acacia Silver
Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Evergreen 2 3.58
dealbata Link Wattle

Albizia
Silk Tree Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Evergreen 2 3.56
moluccana

Albizia
odoratissima Black siris Tree Tolerant Quick 18 Evergreen 2 3.52
Benth

Ailanthus Tree of
Tree Tolerant Quick 12 Deciduous 4 3.42
altissima heaven

Aegle
Bel tree Tree Tolerant Slow 12 Evergreen 2 3.32
marmelos
Dalbergia India rose semi
Tree Tolerant Quick 20 1 3.28
latifolia Roxb wood deciduous

SELECTING APPROPRIATE SPECIES FOR MEDIAN PLANTATION

The shortlisted tree/shrub species were further evaluated for their suitability for median
plantation based on (IRC) SP 21:2009 guidelines, pollution resistant dwarf tree/shrub
species are preferred in the median to prevent glare from the vehicles moving in opposite
direction during night, whereas flowering shrubs enhances the aesthetic beauty of the

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highway. Following 20 species have been found appropriate for median plantation. Agro
Climatic zone specific median plantation species can be referred from Annexure -3.

Common Stressed/ Growth Evergreen/ Flowering

Scientific Name Type Score
Name Tolerant Rate Deciduous Season

throughout
Duranta repens Duranta Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.40
the year
Tabernaemantana crape throughout
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.21
divaricata jasmine the year
Hibiscus rosa- throughout
Jasud Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.15
sinensis the year

Hamelia patens Scarlet bush Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Oct-Jan 3.99

Bougainvillea throughout
Bougainvillea Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.97
spectabilis the year
Murraya
Kamini Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen June-Oct 3.96
paniculata
Clerodendrum
Banjai Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Nov-Jan 3.94
inerme
Climbing
Acacia pennata Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen June-Aug 3.90
Wattle
Clerodendrum
Hin Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Oct-Jan 3.79
infortunatum
Lawsonia inermis
Henna Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen April-July 3.79
Linn
Grewia
falsa Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Apr-June 3.77
subinequalis

Zizyphus oenoplia Jackal jujube Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Dec-Feb 3.77

Calotropis
Swallow wart Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen December 3.75
procera

Ricinus communis Castor Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Sep-Oct 3.74

Tecoma stans yellow

Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Feb-April 3.73
Linn trumpet bush
May-
Acacia catechu khair Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.69
August
Common
Sesbania sesban Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Aug-Dec 3.63
sesban
Prosopis
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Dec-Feb 3.62
stephaniana
Poinciana peacock
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Oct-Jan 3.61
pulcherrima flower

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 Zizyphus rugosa
lao Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Dec-Feb 3.57
Lamk
Zizyphus xylopyra
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Apr-June 3.57
Wild

There are certain small trees with ornamental value which can also be considered for
median plantations, a small list is mentioned below:

Common Stressed/ Evergreen/ Flowering

Scientific Name Type Height Score
Name Tolerant Deciduous Season

Caesalpinia White gold throughout

Tree Tolerant 4 Evergreen 4.56
pulcherrima mahur the year
Acacia Cassia
Tree Tolerant 5 Evergreen Aug-March 4.19
farnesiana flower
Citrus bitter
Tree Tolerant 5 Evergreen Sept-Nov 4.06
aurantium Linn orange
Acacia
Safed Khair Tree Tolerant 4 Evergreen Jan-Feb 3.98
ferruginea
Callistemon Bottle throughout
Tree Tolerant 5 Evergreen 3.96
citrinus brush the year

SELECTING APPROPRIATE SPECIES FOR AVENUE PLANTATION

One of the main objectives of Roadside Avenue is to provide shade. These tree species
should be of local significance and should be mostly evergreen in nature, which ensure no
substantial leaf-fall in winters preventing the problem of blockage of roadside drains.
Depending on the available ROW, plantation pattern should be worked out as follows:
i) The first row along the Highways will be of small to medium sized ornamental trees.
ii) Subsequent rows, depending on the availability of width, will comprise of
ornamental and/or shade bearing species, of more height than those in the first row.
iii) In rural sections, the last row will always be of shade bearing tall trees.

List of tree/shrub species suitable for Row I is mentioned below

Common Stressed/ Growth Evergreen/

Scientific Name Type Utility Row I
Name Tolerant Rate Deciduous

Caesalpinia White gold

Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen Ornamental 4.56
pulcherrima mahur

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 Medicinal,
Charcoal
Trema oreintalis Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen fuel-wood , 4.53
tree
fiber

Duranta repens Duranta Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Ornamental 4.40

Tabernaemanta crape
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen ornamental 4.21
na divaricata jasmine
Acacia Cassia medicinal,
Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.19
farnesiana flower fodder
Hibiscus rosa-
Jasud Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen ornamental 4.15
sinensis
Citrus bitter fruit,
Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 4.06
aurantium Linn orange medicinal
Scarlet Ornamental,
Hamelia patens Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.99
bush medicinal
Acacia utility wood
Safed Khair Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.98
ferruginea items, gum
Murraya medicinal &
Kamini Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.96
paniculata bee-keeping
Callistemon Bottle
Tree Tolerant Slow Evergreen ornamental 3.96
citrinus brush
Clerodendrum medicinal,
Banjai Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.94
inerme ornamental
Saraca asoka
Ashoka Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen ornamental 3.93
Roxb.
flame of
Ixora coccinea Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen ornamental 3.92
woods

Ixora rosea Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen ornamental 3.89

Ixora arborea medicinal,

Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.86
Roxb ornamental
Clerodendrum
Hin Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen medicinal 3.79
infortunatum
Lawsonia
Henna Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen Beauty care 3.79
inermis Linn
Gardenia floriculture,
Gandharaj Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.79
jasminoides dye
Zizyphus Jackal medicinal,
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.77
oenoplia jujube dry fruit
medicinal,
Calotropis Swallow
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen floriculture, 3.75
procera wart
fibre
Ricinus medicinal ,
Castor Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.74
communis ornamental
Tecoma stans yellow ornamental,
Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.73
Linn trumpet fodder

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 Fuel-wood,
Acacia catechu khair Shrub Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.69
fodder, food
Psidium guayava Medicinal,
Guava tree Tree Tolerant Quick Evergreen 3.68
Linn Fruit

List of tree/shrub species suitable for Row II & Row III is mentioned below

Scientific Common Stressed/ Evergreen/

Type Utility Row II Row III
Name Name Tolerant Deciduous

Fruit,
Azadirachta medicinal,
Neem tree Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 5.71
indica food, organic
pesticide
fruit,
Tamarindus
tamarind Tree Tolerant Evergreen medicinal, - 5.46
indica Linn
food
Cocos nucifera Coconut ornamental,
Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 5.16
Linn tree fiber, fruit
fiber, timber,
Bambusa Thorny
Shrub Tolerant Evergreen food, - 4.92
arundinacia bamboo
handicraft
Ficus
Banyan
benghalensis Tree Tolerant Evergreen Religious - 4.79
Tree
Linn
Fodder, fruit,
Zizyphus timber,
Ber Tree Tolerant Evergreen 4.71 -
mauritiana biodiesel,
medicinal
medicinal
Alstonia
Devil tree Tree Tolerant Evergreen and utility - 4.51
scholaris
wood
Peltophorum Copper pod Ornamental,
Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 4.45
pterocarpum tree fodder
Samanea
Rain tree Tree Tolerant Evergreen ornamental - 4.45
saman Jacq
Anona Custard
Tree Tolerant Evergreen fruit, 4.40 -
squamosa Linn Apple
Dendrocalamu
lathi bans Shrub Tolerant Evergreen utility, - 4.4
s strictus
Thespesia Umbrella
Tree Tolerant Evergreen handicraft 4.39 -
populnea tree
Cassia siamea Iron wood food,
Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 4.37
Lamk tree medicinal

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 ornamental,
timber,
Anthocephalus
kadam Tree Tolerant Deciduous paper - 4.34
chinensis
making,
floriculture
Prosopis Fuel-wood,
khejri Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 4.32
cineraria Linn fodder, food
medicinal,
India
Acacia nilotica Tree Tolerant Evergreen fuel-wood , 4.29 -
gum/babul
fodder
Ficus Drooping
Tree Tolerant Evergreen fodder 4.29 -
semicordata fig
Madhuca flower, oil,
Mahua Tree Tolerant evergreen - 4.22
longifolia medicinal
Barringtonia powder-
Tree Tolerant Evergreen 4.27 -
racemosa puff tree
Ficus Weeping
Tree Tolerant Evergreen Habitat - 4.25
benjamina fig
Oil tree/ bio-diesel,
Derris indica Pongamia Tree Tolerant Evergreen medicinal, 4.23 -
pinnata ornamental
Terminalia medicinal,
Arjun Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 4.21
Arjuna tussar silk,
Bambusa Golden
Shrub Tolerant Evergreen ornamental - 4.2
vulgaris bamboo
Heterophragm
Tree Tolerant Evergreen medicinal - 4.18
a roxburghii
fodder,
Acacia tortilis Umbrella furniture,
Tree Tolerant Evergreen 4.18 -
Hayne thorn tree gum,
aromatic
Anona Bullock's
Tree Tolerant Evergreen fruit 4.16 -
reticulata Linn heart
fodder, fuel-
Guazma
Rudraksh Tree Tolerant Evergreen wood, 4.145 -
ulmifolio Lamk
medicinal
Barringtonia Medicinal,
India oak Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 4.13
acutangula ornamental
Rubber ornamental,
Ficus elastica Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 4.12
tree latex
Cassia pumila Yellow gum, food,
Tree Tolerant Evergreen - 4.11
Lamk cassia pesticide

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SELECTING APPROPRIATE TREE/SHRUB SPECIES FOR BLOCK PLANTATION
There are various land parcels near flyovers and road alignments which are available with
NHAI. These lands can be for block plantation of commercial agroforestry crop, which also
performs well on Plantation Species Matrix. A list of possible tree species which can be
considered for block plantations is mentioned below:

Stressed/
Scientific Name Common Name Type Utility Score
Tolerant

Tamarindus indica
tamarind Tree Tolerant fruit, medicinal, food 5.46
Linn

Cocos nucifera Linn Coconut tree Tree Tolerant ornamental, fiber, fruit 5.16

Bambusa fiber, timber, food,

Thorny bamboo Shrub Tolerant 4.92
arundinacia handicraft
Anona squamosa
Custard Apple Tree Tolerant fruit, 4.40
Linn
Dendrocalamus
lathi bans Shrub Tolerant utility, 4.4
strictus

Anthocephalus ornamental, timber,

kadam Tree Tolerant 4.34
chinensis paper making, floriculture

Madhuca longifolia Mahua Tree Tolerant flower, oil, medicinal 4.29

Oil tree/
bio-diesel, medicinal,
Derris indica Pongamia Tree Tolerant 4.23
ornamental
pinnata

Terminalia Arjuna Arjun Tree Tolerant medicinal, tussar silk, 4.21

Dalbergia sisso Roxb Sheesham Tree Tolerant wood, medicinal 4.08

Aphanamixis
Rohituka tree Tree Tolerant timber, biodiesel 3.98
polystachya
Artocarpus
Jack fruit Tree Tolerant food 3.63
heterophylius Lamk

Eucalyptus hybrid Mysore gum Tree Tolerant Pulpwood, Dyes, Oil, 3.63

Achras sapota Sapota Tree Tolerant fruit 3.62

Mangifera indica Mango Tree Stressed fruit, medicinal 3.27

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 ornamental, timber,
Butea monosperma
Palash Tree Tolerant resin, fodder, medicine, 3.26
Lamk
and dye

Buchanania lanzan
Chironji Tree Tolerant medicinal, dry fruit 3.775
spreng

This list is not exhaustive, plantation of any particular tree/shrub species which fits in the
criteria of Plantation Species Matrix can be taken up.

NEGATIVE LIST OF TREE/SHRUB SPECIES

There are certain species which have been considered under Negative list of species as
some of them have been found invasive, toxic, stressed or performed poorly on the tool.
These species may have detrimental effect on other species of green belt or will not fulfill
the requirement for pollution sorption. List of 50 such tree/shrub species is mentioned
below:

Common Stressed/ Growth Evergreen/

Scientific Name Type Height Score
Name Tolerant Rate Deciduous

Populus nigra Lombardy-

Tree Stressed Quick 20 Deciduous 0.7
Linn poplar
Himalayan
Alnus nitidia Endl Tree Stressed Quick 20 Deciduous 0.82
Alder
Alnus nepalensis Alder Tree Stressed Quick 20 Deciduous 0.86
White
Populus alba Linn Tree Stressed Quick 15 Deciduous 1.2
poplar
Populus ciliata himalayan
Tree Stressed Quick 20 Deciduous 1.2
Wall poplar

Populus deltaides Caroline

Tree Stressed Quick 20 Deciduous 1.2
Bartr poplar

Populus
India poplar Tree Stressed Quick 10 Deciduous 1.2
euphratica Olivier
Coriaria Mussarie
Shrub Stressed Quick 5 Deciduous 1.25
nepalensis Wall berry
Himalayan
Acer campbellii Tree Stressed Quick 12 Deciduous 1.5
maple
Betula alnoides Indian birch Tree Stressed Quick 15 Deciduous 1.52
Ash leaved
Acer negundo Tree Stressed Quick 12 Deciduous 1.7
maple
Corylus colurna Turkish Tree tolerant Quick 10 Deciduous 1.7

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 hazel
Ouigeinia
sandan Tree Tolerant Quick 12 Deciduous 1.78
oojeinensis
Acacia sinuata Shikakai shrub Tolerant Quick 10 1.9
Jacaranda
Gulmohar Tree Stressed Quick 10 Deciduous 1.93
mimosaefolia
Plyalthia
false ashoka Tree Stressed Quick 15 Evergreen 2.06
longifolia
Strychnos nux-
poison nut Tree Tolerant Quick 12 Deciduous 2.22
vomica

Pinus kesiya khasi pine Tree Stressed Slow 10 Evergreen 2.24

Adina cordifolia
Haldu Tree Tolerant Slow 20 Deciduous 2.24
Roxb
Salix tetrasperma Indian
Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Deciduous 2.25
Roxb. willow

Aesculus indica Himalayan

Tree Stressed Quick 20 Deciduous 2.25
Hook chestnut

Delonix regia Flame tree Tree Stressed Quick 15 Deciduous 2.27

Sterculia guttata
Kukur Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Deciduous 2.28
Roxb.

Pinus roxburghii Chir pine Tree Stressed Slow 10 Evergreen 2.31

Himalayan
Pinus wallichiana Tree Stressed Slow 12 Evergreen 2.31
pine
Sterculia foetida Jangli
Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Deciduous 2.32
Linn Badam
Juniperus Common
Shrub Stressed Quick 10 Evergreen 2.33
communis juniper
Bauhinia
Kanchan Shrub Tolerant Quick 3 Deciduous 2.45
acuminata Linn
Kashmir
Salix fragilis Linn Tree Tolerant Quick 18 Deciduous 2.52
Willow

Terminalia alata Saaja Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Deciduous 2.52

European
Salix alba Linn Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Deciduous 2.52
willow
Gliricidia sepium Cocoo Tree Tolerant Quick 10 Deciduous 2.54
Bauhinia
Banraj Tree Tolerant Quick 5 Deciduous 2.56
racemosa Lamk
Bauhinia semla
Semla Tree Tolerant Quick 10 Deciduous 2.57
Wanderlin
Salix caprea Linn The sallow Shrub Tolerant Quick 5 Deciduous 2.59

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 Acacia mellifera black thorn Tree Tolerant Quick 10 Deciduous 2.60

champion
Quercus rubra Tree Tolerant Quick 15 Deciduous 2.65
Oak
Aleurites fordii Tung tree Tree Tolerant Quick 8 Deciduous 2.67
Acacia
Safed Babul Shrub Tolerant Quick 3 Deciduous 2.67
leucophloea
Acacia mearnsii
Black Wattle Tree Tolerant Quick 20 Evergreen 3.5
de wild

Nerium indicum oleander Shrub Tolerant Quick 5 Evergreen 3.65

Gigantic
Calotropis
swallow Shrub Tolerant Quick 5 Evergreen 3.75
gigantea
wart

Thevetia yellow
Shrub Tolerant Quick 6 Evergreen 4.04
peruviana oleander

Lantana camara
Lantana Shrub Tolerant Quick 3 Evergreen 4.12
Linn

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
B.D. Tripathi, S. P. (October,2008). Anticipated Performance Index of Tree. Journal of Environment
Management .

ENVIS Centre, C. (2000). Guidelines for Developing Green Belts.

IRC. Guidelines on Landscaping & Tree Plantation.

Air Pollution and Plants: A State-of-The-Art-Report. Ed. Subramanyam G V D.N. Rao

C K Varshney and D K Biswas: Mintstry of Environ. and Forests, Govt of India. 1985 pp193.

Effects of Air Pollutants on Plants Ed. T.A. Mansf1eld. Society for Expenmental Series 1 Cambridge Univ. Press.
1976.

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