Distribution Pattern and Factors Influencing Spontaneous Plant Diversity in Different Wetland Habitats

Abstract

Wetlands contain a large number of spontaneous plants, and the ecological value of such plants should not be underestimated. However, the influence of the surrounding environment on the composition of spontaneous plants in wetlands is still unclear. Hangzhou Jiangyangfan Ecological Park, built more than 20 years ago, is the first ecological park in China based on the “wild state” concept. The wetland in the park was taken as a study case, and we investigated some of the ecological factors affecting the diversity and distribution pattern of spontaneous plants in wetland habitats after natural succession. A total of 100 species of spontaneous plants were recorded, belonging to 93 genera and 48 families, with native species accounting for approximately 85% of the total. We found significant differences in the species diversity and distribution patterns of spontaneous plants in different habitats and microhabitats. According to the biological characteristics of spontaneous plants, the fruit types were mostly achenes and capsules, and the seed dispersal mode was mainly animal dispersal. Different fruit types and dispersal modes affected the composition and distribution of spontaneous plants. In terms of environmental factors, the water depth and slope aspect were the key factors determining the diversity and distribution pattern of spontaneous plants. It was also found that the clustering degree of cultivated plants had an effect on the composition of spontaneous plants. To form a more natural wetland landscape, it is necessary to provide a variety of growing environments for spontaneous plants. We suggest allocating appropriate habitat types in wetlands and reducing human intervention to increase biodiversity.

Diversity of Spontaneous Plants in Eco-Parks and Its Relationship with Environmental Characteristics of Parks

“…It could be seen that the plant communities in the park had been in a relatively stable state through long-term succession. Compared with the results of the spring investigation, the number of species of spontaneous plants in the wetland in summer only increased by 17 [28]. This might be because the extremely high-temperature weather this summer affected the growth and development of plants.…”

Application of synanthropic plants in the design of green spaces in Warsaw (Poland)

“…In the case of lawns enriched with spontaneous species, the risk of spreading grass diseases is reduced, the amount of oxygen produced increases (Trzaskowska, 2013). Less care expenditure necessary to maintain such greenery (Yang et al, 2023) reduces costs (Kühn, 2006) and burden on the environment. The purely aesthetic function should also be mentioned -their wild appearance is a substitute for nature in a heavily transformed urban environment, although it happens that they do not meet…”