Studies on Diversity of Lycophytes and Ferns in the Chebaling National Nature Reserve,Guangdong Province
In order to comprehensively document the plant diversity within the Chebaling National Nature Reserve in Guangdong and to provide data support for the long-term monitoring,conservation management,and public education regarding biodiversity within the reserve,we conducted field surveys and specimen collection of ferns and lycophytes using transect methods from June to August 2023.A statistical analysis of the species composition,floristic characteristics,and resource status of ferns and lycophytes within the reserve was carried out by integrating literature data.The results indicated:(1)A total of 231 species(including infraspecific taxa)of ferns and lycophytes belonging to 75 genera and 25 families distributed in the nature reserve,among them 64 species from 11 families and 28 genera were new records in the area.(2)There were six monotypic families and 38 monotypic genera,accounting for 24.00%and 50.67%of the total families and genera,respectively,which reflected the ancient and primitive nature of the ferns and lycophytes flora in the area.(3)Ferns and lycophytes composition in this area are derived from multiple origins.The tropical component ranked at the family(60.00%)and genus(68.00%)levels,while at the species level,the subtropical component(54.98%)held prevalence,followed by the tropical component(29.87%).It aligns with the characteristics of subtropical flora,demonstrating a certain degree of features associated with tropical flora.(4)Compared with adjacent nature areas,Chebaling Nature Reserve shows the closest relationship with Qingyunshan Provincial Nature Reserve in Guangdong province.The similarity indices of species,genera,and families(Jaccard/Krober coefficients)stand at 92.00/96.00,73.42/85.33,and 42.42/62.86,respectively.This suggests a probable connection to their geographical proximity and similar climatic features.(5)Within the nature area,ferns and lycophytes resources are abundant,including six edible species,145 medicinal species,141 ornamental species,and 32 species with industrial value.These resources provide rich opportunities for the future rational development and effective utilization of plants.
lycophytes and fernsdiversity surveynew record in reserveresource plant