• Sathiameena K
• Narasimhan D
• Pari R

Trees constitute one of the most significant components of terrestrial ecosystem . The welfare of humankind is affected not only by their density and diversity but also by their direct and indirect values which are beyond estimation. Trees in urban system provide a variety of ecosystem services including biodiversity conservation, removal of atmospheric pollutants, Oxygen generation, mitigation of urban heat island (UHI) effect, microclimate regulation etc. Government departments, educational institutions, water bodies, local residents are the crucial players in the greening of urban cities. Urban greenery provides considerable improvement for microclimatic and distinct benefits for human well-being. Urban green space includes streets with trees, parks, vegetated schools and colleges. Without urban green spaces, a sustainable city cannot be designed. Urban greening and urban forest are particularly important to healthy cities in developing countries like India. Documentation of existing green spaces of the urban environment is important to determine existing resources and to set target for future improvements. Results of tree inventory and assessments of urban environment can be useful for excellent urban planning and conservation of important tree species. Therefore, present study focusses on the exploration of trees in institutional campuses of Salem city. Qualitative floristic survey of trees in 21 educational institutions was carried out. 82 trees belonging to 33 families and 75 genera were documented. Families with maximum number of species include Fabaceae followed by Bignoniaceace. Determination of species / genus ratio revealed Moraceae to register a maximum value of four when compared to other families. This study clearly elucidates the pivotal role of campuses in making cities green, livable and beautiful.

Urban heat island, Urban green spaces, Educational institutions, Qualitative floristic survey and Species/ genus ratio.

"INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUSES AS CENTRES OF TREE DIVERSITY IN CITIES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 3, page no.272-277, March-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRAD06045.pdf

"INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUSES AS CENTRES OF TREE DIVERSITY IN CITIES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 3, page no. pp272-277, March-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRAD06045.pdf