Analysis of the floristic characteristics of vascular plants in Wenchang, Hainan

The composition, floristic elements, and distribution of vascular plants in Wenchang area of Hainan Province were investigated and analyzed by field investigation and literature research. A total of 1397 vascular species from 201 families and 777 genera were recorded in Wenchang, among which 67 species belonging to 46 genera and 31 families were pteridophytes, 1330 species belonging to 731 genera and 170 families were spermatophyte, and 1183 species belonging to 634 genera were wild seed plants, including 25 rare and endangered species and 49 Hainan endemic species. At the genera level, tropical elements were dominant in the local flora, accounting for 93.23% of non-cosmopolitan genera. At the species level, tropical Asia and Chinese endemic species elements were dominant in the local flora, accounting for 46.65% and 12.01% of non-cosmopolitan species, respectively. In addition, village fengshui forests have preserved many local rare and endangered species, as well as ancient and famous trees, which play a significant role in the protection of local biodiversity. Thus, we recommend that the local government strengthen the protection of these forests.