Objective This paper investigates the component differences and temporal dynamics of volatile organic matter (BVOCs) released by common garden plants in an urban park, in South China, to provide references for plant selection and collocation in urban regions.

Method Nine garden plants species from Tianhe urban park in Guangzhou were identified by headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), and the relative content of each component were determined by peak area normalization method.

Result The composition and relative content of BVOCs released by different plants were different to some extent, and the composition of BVOCs released by plant flowers was significantly different than that of plant leaves at different phenological stages. A total of 11 volatiles (e.g. terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes and esters) were detected in nine garden plant species. The composition and release characteristics of BVOCs released by different plants were also different, but the types of dominant compounds remained basically stable. The components of BVOCs in different plants species are different and the release characteristics are different under different phenological periods, but the dominant compounds are relatively stable. Michelia × alba was mainly composed of alcohols, esters and terpenes. Osmanthus fragrans, Ligustrum lucidum and Cinnamomum burmanni flowers were mainly composed of alcohols, aldehydes, esters and terpenes. Mangifera indica, Bauhinia purpurea, Cinnamomum camphora, Liquidambar formosana and Taxodium distichum were mainly composed of terpenes. Eucalyptus citriodora leaves were mainly composed of alcohols, esters and terpenes. Leaves of Cinnamomum burmanni wrere mainly composed of alcohols, aldehydes and terpenes. The relative content of beneficial BVOCs released by plants is related to phenological changes. The contents of beneficial BVOCs in Michelia × alba, Mangifera indica and Cinnamomum burmanni were the highest (84.7%, 97.6%, 70.1%) in the early opening stage. In addition, the contents of beneficial BVOCs were the highest (78.8%, 79.1%, 94.1%) in the last opening stage. The relative content of beneficial BVOCs released by the leaves of Liquidambar formosana and Eucalyptus citriodora reached the peak value (98.2%, 67.0%) in autumn and winter, while the content of beneficial BVOCs released by Liquidambar formosana and Cinnamomum burmanni reached the peak value (99.7%, 88.1%) in summer.

Conclusion The composition and relative content of BVOCs are correlated with plant species and phenology. Plant configuration should be considered in the construction of urban parks to achieve the smellscape of diverse seasons, and help promote the realization of the sustainable development goal of health and well-being of harmonious coexistence between human beings and the nature.