Abstract: In this paper, the dust-retaining capability of 11 garden tree species in Chengyang District of Qingdao City was determined, and the micro-configuration of their leaf epidermis was observed. The results showed that there were great differences in the dust-retaining capability of test tree spices, with the maximum being 4 times or more of the minimum. Rainfall decreased the particulate density on leaf surface significantly, but the efficiency differed greatly with tree species. Different tree species had different leaf epidermal microconfiguration. The leaves of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Pyracantha fortuneana had smooth surfaces, their cells and stomata arranged regularly, and thus, their dust-retaining capability was poor; while those of Platanus orientalis, Cercis chinensis, and Lagerstroemia indica had many tubercles or evident ridgelike rumple, and hence, their dust-retaining capability was stronger. The denser configuration and more obvious concave/convex of leaf epidermis were in favor of dust-retaining for trees.

Key words: Leymus chinensis, Clonal growth, Clonal architecture, Ecotype, Divergent type