Microclimate modification by Tamarindus indica native to Oman

Landscaping with native plant species has many functional values including microclimate modification. A study was conducted to quantify the surrounding microclimate modification of Tamarindus indica. Several specimens of Tamarindus indica, a tree species native to Oman, were monitored for the effects they could have on their microclimates in the wild as well as in developed landscapes. Monitored variables included light in Lux, photosynthetic active radiation, ambient temperatures, relative humidity and average wind speed, in addition to vegetative variables such as height, drip line, height off the ground where the canopies began, and leaf area index. Monitored specimens had similar effects on their microclimates in the wild as a developed landscape. The specimens found in the wild, in southern Oman, were quite similar in size and stature to those studied in the developed landscape in Muscat, in northern Oman. Results showed that on an average mature specimens could reduce temperatures by 4.8%, increase relative humidity by 2.5%, decrease light in lux by 68.0%, reduce PAR of 93.6% and decrease in average wind speed by 53.0%. These effects were also seen below canopy areas due to their shading through insolation abatement. This shows that mature specimens of this species can greatly impact microclimates in developed landscapes.