Abstract:
This study investigated the diversity and spatial distribution of vascular plants in Wudi County through a comprehensive field survey. Results indicated that: (1) Wudi County harbored 346 vascular plant species distributed across 72 families and 235 genera, comprising one family, one genus, and one species of ferns; three families, seven genera, and 11 species of gymnosperms; and 68 families, 227 genera, and 334 species of angiosperms. While the region exhibited high plant diversity, herbaceous plants accounted for a large proportion, with relatively few woody plants, resulting in a structurally simple plant community. (2) Species richness increased significantly from north to south, with biodiversity hotspots occurring in distinct clusters, although these clusters remained spatially isolated. (3) The flora was characterized by a high proportion of alien species, with several invasive taxa posing significant ecological threats. Overall, the vascular plant community in Wudi County is relatively simple, and the invasive species present a pressing challenge. To enhance biodiversity conservation, efforts should focus on promoting the introduction and cultivation of native plant species while strengthening the management of invasive alien taxa.