Influence of leaf and canopy characteristics on rainfall interception and urban hydrology

ABSTRACT Considering the rapid expansion of urban populations and the corresponding urbanization of landscapes, a dearth of knowledge exists regarding the role of urban vegetation in modulating urban ecosystem functioning. In response to the need for the development of new approaches to quantify ecohydrological processes along urban-to-rural gradients at alternate scales, this study explores the relationship between individual plant selection choices in landscaping and changes in urban hydrological functioning. This research examines differences in the variation of rainfall interception, leaf hydrophobicity, canopy structure, and water storage, between 13 species in an urban, semi-arid location. The species studied were selected based on resident preferences, and hence this research considers the role that urban residents play, through individual choices, in modifying the ecohydrology of an urban watershed. Rainfall interception, canopy surface storage, leaf hydrophobicity, and water droplet retention were significantly different between species. Results indicate that individual choice in plant selection for landscaping may influence urban hydrology.