Dr. Jorge Carlos Trejo

In the interview with Dr. Jorge Carlos Trejo, discover how strategies and trends in urban tree design, as well as the use of native plants, can be adapted to different contexts and locations, promoting sustainability and environmental well-being.

Jorge Carlos Trejo Torres is a biologist specializing in botany, biogeography, taxonomy, and regional botanical history. He holds a degree in Biology from the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, a Master’s in Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, and a Ph.D. from the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán. His research focuses on endemic, rare, and unknown plants, with significant contributions such as the cataloging of new tree species for science and the rediscovery of green henequen in Yucatán. In addition to his scientific work, he disseminates knowledge through publications, lectures, and courses. He is the curator of regional botanical databases and the founder of plant groups on social media. He is currently an Associate Researcher at the Institute for Regional Conservation in Florida and Head of the Tree Department at the Mérida City Hall.

Selva yucateca / Yucatán jungle
Fotografía / Photography: Leirana Photobully

What person or experience sparked your love for botany?

I don’t think I have a specific person who inspired me, but I grew up in a rural environment surrounded by jungle, where I spent a lot of time playing with herbs, plants, and sticks instead of toys. Later, I became interested in encyclopedias about animals, plants, and nature, as I was fascinated by looking at them. I have always had a great curiosity to understand the different aspects of biology and the reasons behind the things that happen in the natural world.

Paisaje rural / Rural landscape
Fotografía / Photography: Flickr

How do you think those interested in plants and natural elements can improve their understanding and appreciation of botany and plants?

From my point of view, it’s important to be self-taught, meaning attending talks, reading, and watching documentaries. There are also people who could learn but lack the interest. To them, I would say that when they go on a botanical tour or visit, they should pay attention to the guide’s explanations in order to understand better. I believe it’s essential to connect with the basics of botany to be able to comprehend more deeply and enhance our ability to observe, especially for landscape architects.

What elements of design, in conjunction with botany, do you consider essential to implement in landscaping projects?

An important element is native species, as they can give your project a local or regional character and personality. If a design, whether for a landscape or a building, includes a good number of native or endemic elements, it adds a distinctive touch that makes it unique and specific to the place.

On the other hand, just as we talk about native plants, there are also native landscapes. In Yucatán, if we approach the coast, we find marshes and swamps with grasslands, meadows, and shrubs full of cacti, water, and rocks. It is an extremely rich landscape that serves as a transition before reaching the coast, and from there, you can go to caves or cenotes. In each of these landscapes, there are a series of natural scenes, such as a hill with ruins or a small mound of stones in the forest, which together create a very rich landscape with trees of different crowns and textures, large-leaved plants, etc. These landscapes can serve as inspiration for landscaping designs.

Ciénaga / Swamp
Fotografía / Photography: Flickr

In terms of sustainability, what are the benefits of native plants and native landscapes?

The impact of a garden and its design goes far beyond aesthetics, as they provide a variety of environmental services, such as shade, improved mood for visitors, climate regulation, temperature reduction, and increased comfort. Additionally, these spaces can become a home for local wildlife. In particular, for the Yucatán context, it is recommended to use evergreen species that retain their foliage throughout the year, ensuring a vibrant and always-green garden.

The impact of garden design goes far beyond aesthetics, as it provides a variety of environmental services, such as shade, mood improvement, climate regulation, increased comfort, and providing a home for wildlife.

Vegetación yucateca / Yucatecan vegetation
Fotografía / Photography: Flickr

What are the basic strategies and the latest trends in urban tree design, and how could these trends or guidelines be adapted to different areas of the country?

First, I believe we need to refine the planting process. For example, at the municipal level, we are now planting with a hydrating gel that retains water, so that during dry seasons, it helps trees survive. Another important trend is the use of native plants, which, while a great current trend, should be approached with caution to avoid extreme nativism. For instance, if we used only native plants in Mérida, we would have many thorny species that would shed their leaves as soon as the dry season arrives. Therefore, non-native plants can be integrated, but they must be carefully selected to ensure they won’t cause any problems.