Floristic analysis of Vascular plants in Sanzhou Island, Zhuhai, China

Abstract

The uninhabited island in Guangdong is rich in vascular plant flora. In order to enrich the understanding of the zonal vegetation, a comprehensive survey of the plant resources of Sanzhou Island was carried out by using the survey method of the combination of sample line method and quadrat method. The vegetation types, floristic composition of vascular plants and the distribution types of families, genera and species were analyzed. The natural vegetation of Sanzhou Island could be divided into three types: coastal semi-mangrove, evergreen shrub and evergreen seasonal rainforest. The results showed that there were 68 species of vascular plants in 39 families, 62 genera. There were 4 families, 4 genera and 5 species of pteridophytes, accounting for 10.26%, 6.45% and 7.35% of the vascular plants; 63 species of angiosperms, 58 genera and 35 families, accounting for 89.74%, 93.55% and 92.65% of the vascular plants in the island. The floristic composition of the island showed obvious tropical nature. The main flora of the island was composed of 4 distribution types: pantropic, old world tropical, tropical Asia to tropical Australasia and tropical Asia. It showed the floristic components were diverse with strong adaptability which was suitable for the poor soil and harsh environment of the island. This study could provide a theoretical basis for the protection, development and management of plant resources in Sanzhou Island.