青海种子植物区系研究

Qinghai Provinc e, as a core component of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, shares similar geological and geomorphological formations as well as an evolutionary history of its natural ecosystem with the entire Qinghai Tibet Plateau. Within Qinghai, there exist 97 families, 595 g enera, and 3 558 species of wild seed plants. Based on the authors extensive field research and data accumulation, this article presents a classification and analysis of the distribution area types of all plant families, genera, and species in Qinghai. Th e key findings are as follows : (1) Qinghai hosts all 15 areal types described in Mr. Wu Zhengyis "Distribution Area Types of Chinese Seed Plant Genera," indicating the richness of its floral components and the complexity and diversity of its ecological an d geographical environment. (2) Tropical types, primarily represented by pan tropical distributions, are characterized by marginal distribution within Qinghai, with the absence of woody types. (3) At the genus level, the core components of Qinghais flora are predominantly warm cold genera originating from the Northern temperate zone and East Asia. However, at the species level, species distributed in Temperate Asia and East Asia dominate. (4) The unique Chinese type of flora in Qinghai reflects its close a ffinity with the flora of Southwest China (Hengduan Mountains) and the Himalayas, and exhibits distinct alpine flora characteristics of the Qinghai Xizang Plateau. (5) The southwest and northern flora of China has great influence on Qinghai. (6) Qinghai ha s three distinct ecological zones in Qinghai: the warm and humid Qilian Mountains, the alpine southern Qinghai Plateau, and the temperate and arid Qaidam Basin, and each zone exhibits distinct and prominent characteristics. Intersection of the three zones reveals the transitional nature of the flora. (7) The terminal or marginal distribution areas of many plant species in Qinghai are particularly evident, marked by the westernmost extent of their distribution ranges and the highest altitudinal limits. (8) Q inghais flora exhibits a youthful and derived taxonomic nature, primarily consisting of perennial herbaceous species and a paucity of woody types. This analysis concludes that Qinghais flora is dominated by northern temperate components, particularly tho se endemic to the temperate and cold zones of Eurasia. Qinghai possesses the temperate flora attributes of warmth, cold, and alpine types, reflecting the complexity of its flora. For the first time in China, a "species level" distribution area type system for wild seed plants in Qinghai has been established.