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University of Hawai`i at Manoa
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Home > People > Graduate Students > Leyla Cabugos
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Leyla Cabugos MS Student Ethnobotany Track Contact Information University of Hawai`i at Manoa Affiliations |
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Thesis Title: An evaluation of native plant species for use in green roofs and storm water management in Hawai`i Personal Statement: My research interests focus on plant selection and environmental performance of green, or living, roofs. Living roofs are used to improve rooftop aesthetics and use value, air temperature and quality, and control storm water runoff in urban areas throughout the world, predominantly in temperate regions. Plant species selection must be carefully considered for each region where living roofs are installed, to ensure the use of species appropriate to the local flora, climatic conditions, roof qualities and project goals. In this experiment, the survival and relative growth rate of five commercially available and culturally important Hawaiian native species from coastal dryland environments, grown in planters simulating rooftop conditions, in 10cm (4in.) of locally produced soil media. This research is the first attempt to identify suitable species, and measure green roof benefits and maintenance requirements, for conditions in Hawai`i. Water runoff volume will be measured from bare and vegetated planters to determine how effectively the plantings retain water. Daily soil moisture changes will be measured between irrigation periods to determine the species' water needs, and how quickly the soil's water-holding capacity is restored after a rain event. Drydown rates and data on colonizing species will indicate maintenance requirements of the plantings during establishment. Climatic p arameters will be measured on site to characterize conditions affecting plant growth and evapotranspiration rates. Identification of species that can establish quickly and persist in harsh rooftop environments will provide material for the development of green roof practices and further research in Hawai`i. Awards:
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