Floristics and structure of southwestern Bangladesh homegardens

Abstract

Homegardening is a traditional agroforestry practice in Bangladesh. Diverse species composition in a complex structure is a characteristic feature of Bangladesh homegardens. This study investigated the floristic and structural characteristics of homegardens from 402 randomly selected households in southwestern Bangladesh. A total of 419 species in 109 families were recorded. Fifty-nine per cent of all species were native to the Indian Subcontinent, including six IUCN Red-Listed for Bangladesh. Seventy-five per cent of all species were planted. Trees and herbs predominated and accounted for about 71% of all the identified species. The median homegarden of 800 m² contained 34 species and 107 individual trees and shrubs. The recorded species were used for nine different purposes. In general, native species were more commonly used for all purposes except food, commerce, and fibre. The vertical architecture of the homegarden was complex. Common species were consistent with the general floristic profile reported from other tropical homegardens. Homegardens provided year-round subsistence and economic benefits from balanced adoption of multiple-use plants in different strata on limited homestead space. The results suggest considerable potential for the establishment and development of homegardening systems for the sustainable supply of subsistence livelihoods, while contributing to biodiversity conservation.