| 【Objective】The aromatic plant resources in East Africa were investigated to provide references for the introduction, cultivation and rational development and application of such resources.【Method】Selecting 30 species of aromatic plants which were native to East Africa, based on full investigation of their aromatic characters, ornamental value, biological properties and potential of landscape application, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to construct the comprehensive evaluation model of the ornamental value of aromatic plants. Aromatic plants were evaluated comprehensively,
and the planting patterns and application scenarios of such plants in East Africa were proposed based on the plant habits.【Result】The degree of natural fragrance, time of fragrance release, resistance and flower color were the most important evaluation indexes in the comprehensive evaluation of aromatic plants. Thirty species of aromatic plants were divided into 3 levels: 9 species, such as Calodendrum capense, Gardenia thunbergia, Erica arborea, had highest comprehensive value and broad application prospect; 11 species, including Jasminum abyssinicum, Adansonia rubrostipa, had higher comprehensive value and good application prospect; 10 species, such as Adansonia digitata, Sterculia quinqueloba, had ordinary comprehensive value.【Conclusion】Based on the results of analytic hierarchy process, and combining the planting patterns and application scenarios of aromatic plants in East Africa, we can reasonably select aromatic plants in East Africa for introduction, cultivation and application, increase aromatic plant species, enrich color changes, and offer unique perceptions to the sense of smell, which will create utmost benefits of aromatic plants in landscaping. |
