Diversity and Geographic Distribution Patterns of Wild Magnoliaceae Species in China

Weihao Yao, Yu Fan, Zenghui Wang, Danyang Liu, Zeyang Ding and Jing Ou ()
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Weihao Yao: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Yu Fan: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Zenghui Wang: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Danyang Liu: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Zeyang Ding: College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Jing Ou: College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: Magnoliaceae, an ancient lineage of relict plants, were once extensively distributed throughout geological history. Understanding their species diversity, geographic distribution patterns, and hotspots is essential for providing a theoretical foundation for germplasm resource assessment, conservation, and utilization. This study presents a comprehensive catalog of wild Magnoliaceae species in China, derived from an extensive literature review integrating geographic distribution and endemism data. Utilizing GIS 10.2 software, we analyzed data from up to July 2024, revealing that China hosts 157 wild Magnoliaceae species across 13 genera, including 11 varieties, two subspecies, and three forms. These species are distributed across 24 provincial-level administrative regions, including special administrative regions and municipalities. Yunnan Province exhibits the highest species richness, with 12 genera and 94 species, followed by Guizhou, with 9 genera and 65 species, and Guangxi, with 9 genera and 62 species. At the county level, species are found in 609 regions, with Malipo County in Yunnan recording the highest count (32 species), followed by Leishan County in Guizhou (28 species). Vertically, Magnoliaceae are most abundant in the H3 elevation band (1000 < H3 ≤ 1500 m), while the H7 elevation band (H7 > 3000 m) shows the lowest species diversity. China has two endemic genera, Pachylarnax and Woonyoungia , along with 102 endemic species, of which Michelia accounts for the highest number of endemics at 33. The species composition in Guizhou shows significant similarity to that in Guangxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan, indicating close phylogenetic relationships among these floras. The Yunnan–Guizhou–Guangxi region is identified as a “modern distribution center”, “diversity preservation center”, “hotspot”, and “refuge” for wild Magnoliaceae in China. This study highlights the importance of understanding the diversity and distribution patterns of wild Magnoliaceae for the effective conservation, development, and sustainable utilization of plant resources.

Keywords: Magnoliaceae; species diversity; geographic distribution patterns; endemic species; distribution center (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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