Diversity and Flora of Wetland Vascular Plants of Linhai City, Zhejiang Province

Purpose A systematic study was conducted on the diversity and floral characteristics of vascular plants in wetlands in Linhai City, Zhejiang Province, to reveal the structural composition and geographical distribution patterns of vascular plant resources in the region, providing a theoretical basis for promoting effective restoration and recovery of wetland ecosystem functions, strengthening biodiversity conservation, and achieving sustainable management of wetland resources.

Methods Using a combination of line-transect and quadrat survey methods, a systematic investigation was conducted on the wetland vascular plant resources in Linhai City. Based on the survey data, the species composition and geographical elements of vascular plants in the area were analyzed.

Results A total of 488 species of vascular plants, belonging to 320 genera and 112 families, were recorded in the wetlands of Linhai City. These included 21 species of pteridophytes from 19 genera and 17 families, four species of gymnosperms from three genera and two families, and 463 species of angiosperms from 298 genera and 93 families. The dominant families were Poaceae, Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Urticaceae, Rubiaceae, and Scrophulariaceae. The ecological types of vascular plants were predominantly hygrophytes, and the life forms were mainly herbaceous. A total of five species of key protected wild plants, belonging to five genera and five families, were recorded in the wetlands. Additionally, 50 species of alien invasive plants, representing 35 genera and 21 families, were documented. The floristic types of wild vascular plants were diverse, with eight areal-types and three subtypes at the family level, predominantly pantropical families apart from cosmopolitan families. At the genus level, there were 12 areal-types and eight subtypes, also mainly pantropical genera.

Conclusion The wetland vascular plant diversity in Linhai City is abundant, and the flora exhibits characteristics of a transition from tropical to temperate attributes.