Analysis of plant resources and diversity in the southeast area of Taihang Mountains

Abstract

Taihang Mountains are situated between Shanxi Province and the North China Plain, spanning Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan provinces and cities. The mountains extend from northeast to southwest for over 400 km, naturally deviding the second step from the third one in China. The southeastern area of Taihang Mountains specifically refers to Changzhi City and Jincheng Administrative Region of Shanxi Province. Given Shanxi Province’s robust development plans for the southeast area of Taihang Mountains, the medicinal plant resources in this area will be affected. Therefore, it is imperative and urgent to conduct a comprehensive investigation and study on the medicinal plant resources in the southeast area of Taihang Mountains. By means of field investigation, literature review, and specimen identification, the plant resources and diversity of two counties in the southeast of Taihang Mountains were evaluated. The findings revealed 234 plants species across 172 genera in 70 families, primarily comprising angiosperms. The families with more species included Compositae, Leguminosae, Rosaceae, Labiatae, Ranunculaceae. Among the genera, those with more species were Cynanchum, Selaginella, Clematis, Thalictrum, and Rhamnus. A total of 114 medicinal plants were identified, constituting 48.72% of the total. Regarding medicinal parts, the concentration is in roots and rhizomes, followed by whole plants and fruits. On the basis of investigation and study, some suggestions on the development, utilization, and protection of medicinal plant resources in southeast Taihang Mountains were made. These suggestions provide valuable insights for the study on medicinal plant resources and vegetation in the southeast of Taihang Mountains, serving as a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of wild medicinal plant resources.

Keywords

plant resources / diversity / medicinal use / protection and utilization / Taihang Mountains

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