Analysis of diversity in medicinal plant resources: Taking Mizhi county in northern Shaanxi as an example

Based on field investigation and a literature review, the diversity and characteristics of wild medicinal plants were analyzed to study their current status and distribution in Mizhi County, northern Shaanxi Province, China. Results showed that:(1) There were 148 species of wild medicinal plants in Mizhi County belonging to 110 genera and 45 families, including two families, two genera, and two species of gymnosperms; and 43 families, 108 genera, and 146 species of angiosperms. The species were predominantly distributed in single-family, depauperate family, and single-genus; (2) In terms of growth form, there were more species of herbs than of shrubs and trees; (3) The most common parts used for medicinal materials were roots and rhizomes, accounting for 52.03% and 14.86% of total medicinal plants, respectively; (4) Most of the medicinal plants were used as antipyretics and for removing dampness and promoting dieresis, accounting for 23.65% and 11.49% of total medicinal plants, respectively; (5) There were 13 areal-types and eight subtypes of genera, the composition of the flora was complex and diverse, and the temperate nature was significant. This study shows that the diversity of medicinal plant resources in Mizhi County is high, with rich and diverse life forms, medicinal parts, functions, and areal-types. This study clarifies the distribution and survival status of wild medicinal plant resources in the area and could be used to strengthen the protection, development, and utilization of these resources.