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Plants and Vegetation on South China Sea Islands

Authors Ren Hai; Jian Shuguang; Zhang Qianmei; Wang Faguo; Shen Tong; Wang Jun

Journal Ecology and Environmental Sciences , FEB 3 2016,:178

DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.040 PubMed 26657497

Abstract The South China Sea islands are tropical marine coral islands,including Dongsha,Paracel,Sparatly and Zhongsha Islands and all have tropical monsoon climates. There are about 405 species of terrestrial plants on these islands,including more than 260 wild plants and more than 100 cultivated plants. The common trees are Terminalia catappa,Ceodes grandis,Guettarda speciosa,Calophyllum inophyllum,Cordia subcordata,Hernandia nymphaeifolia. The shrubs include Scaevola taccada,Tournefortia argentea,Morinda citrifolia,Clerodendrum inerme,Suriana maritime. Dominant grasses and vines are Ipomoea pes-caprae,Canavalia rosea,Vigna marina,Euphorbia atoto,Wollastonia biflora,Thuarea involuta,Lepturus repens,Sporobolus virginicus,Zoysia matrella. These plants have functional traits with high salt and drought tolerance,high temperature resistance,calciphile,high light preference,and sea drifting and animal dispersal. There are five types of vegetation,including coral island tropical evergreen forest,coral island tropical evergreen shrub forest,coral island tropical herb-vine community,marsh vegetation and artificial cultivation vegetation,which can be divided into 21 communities. The main factors affecting vegetation succession are soil texture and water status,which belong to exogenous succession. The soils of the islands include calcareous humus soil under evergreen trees and shrubs,and alluvial coral sand along the coast of islands. The natural vegetation on the islands needs protection. The vegetation recovery of the reclamation area can use the natural vegetation on the islands for soil improvement,species selection and community structure. Wild plant resources should be used with caution. Because of the invasions by alien species including malignant weeds,and pest control becomes a major focus. In the future,the protection,restoration and research of vegetation ecosystems should be strengthened to ensure sustainable development.

Species covered 红厚壳 Calophyllum inophyllum 榄仁树 Terminalia catappa 苦郎树 Clerodendrum inerme