IUG Journal of Natural Studies Peer-reviewed Journal of Islamic University-Gaza ISSN 2409-4587 IUGNS Vol 26, No 2, 2018, pp 01-09 01 IUG Journal of Natural Studies (Islamic University of Gaza) / CC BY 4.0 on (17-12-2017) Accepted on (27-05-2018) 1. Introduction: In spite of the ecological and environmental roles drawn by the natural ecosystems such as forests, deserts, sand dunes, wadis (valleys), swamps and wetlands worldwide, urban green spaces such as parks, reserves, sporting fields, green roofs, riparian areas, greenways, cemeteries and community gardens can be a significant part of sustainable development in cities and big towns (Roy et al., 2012). They provide a wide range of ecosystem services that could help combat many urban ills and improve the life of city dwellers; especially their health (Sister et al., 2010). Parks, as a good example of urban green areas, are known to serve as sites of physical activity, which is associated with enhanced health and reduced risk for all-cause mortality and many chronic diseases (Hartig, 2008; Barton and Pretty, 2010). From an environmental point of view, green spaces are known to filter air, remove pollutants, attenuate noise, cool temperatures, infiltrate storm water, and replenish groundwater (Escobedo et al., 2011). Moreover, trees, shrubs and other floristic species prevailing in green spaces and nature reserves can provide food for both humans and wildlife (Cheers, 2008; Abd Rabou, 2011). Palestine (27,000 km 2 ) harbors a rich wildlife in terms of flora and fauna because of its location at the meeting point of the three continents Asia, Africa and Europe. Its topography creates diverse habitats, niches and climates as well (Qumsiyeh, 1996). The mix of Mediterranean, Oriental and African desert Trees and Shrubs Prevailing in the Urban Green Spaces of the Gaza City in Palestine Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou 1,* 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine Corresponding author: e-mail address: arabou@iugaza.edu.ps Abstract Gaza is the main city in the Gaza Strip, having a variety of urban green spaces such as public parks, community gardens, and cemeteries. These urban ecosystems have never been studied for their woody components (trees and shrubs). Accordingly, the current study aims at identifying and recording the woody components of some selected urban green spaces. Three public parks and gardens; namely the Gaza Municipality, Barcelona, and Al-Azhar, were selected to carry out the current study. Frequent visits, observations, and discussions with stakeholders were carried out during a six-month study (October 2016 – March 2017) to satisfy the purpose of the study. A total number of 50 tree and shrub species belonging to 26 families and 14 orders were identified and recorded. The Gymnosperms included 4 species (8.0%) only, while the Angiosperms were represented by 46 species (92.0%), of which monocots were represented by 4 species (8.0%) and the dicots by 42 species (84.0%). The Fabales was the biggest order and comprised 7 (14.0%) of the recorded species, followed by Lamiales with 6 species (12.0%). The families Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Moraceae were the biggest families and each was represented by 5 species (10.0%). The study recommends the selection of woody species adapted with the local prevailing environmental conditions in order to ensure environmental, ecological, recreational and socio-economical values needed by the Palestinian community in the Gaza Strip. Keywords: Urban green spaces, public parks, woody components, trees, shrubs, Gaza City characterization.