Biodiv Sci

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A dataset on inventory and geographical distributions of vascular plants in Shanxi, China

Shuai Li1, Weihua Liu2, Yudan Xu3, Xiaobo Tian2, Xiaoting Yue1, Lingling Wu1, Qing Zhang2, Tieliang Shanguan4*   

  1. 1. College of Resource and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801 

    2. Shanxi Fangwen Ruirui Technology Co., Ltd., Taiyuan 030000 

    3. College of Grassland Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801 

    4. College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006

  • Received:2024-07-15 Revised:2024-09-24 Accepted:2024-10-28
  • Contact: Tieliang Shangguan

Abstract: Clarifying the diversity and distribution of wild vascular plants in Shanxi Province is crucial for effective plant diversity conservation efforts in the region. Flora of Shanxi, the most authoritative record of plant cataloging and distribution in Shanxi, has been available for over 20 years. During this period, the plant classification system has evolved significantly, and many new plant records have emerged in Shanxi Province. However, a comprehensive, accurate, and scientific catalog of wild vascular plants remains unavailable. Based on volumes 1–5 of the Flora of Shanxi. This study comprehensively collected relevant literature on vascular plant research in Shanxi since 1980. Using extensive field investigations and related research data collected by the authors in Shanxi Province, the wild plant list was reviewed and refined, including revisions to plant names, protection status, and distribution classifications down to the county level. This dataset presents the latest catalog of wild vascular plants in Shanxi, divided into confirmed and doubtful species lists. As of June 26, 2024, this dataset includes 2,483 species, 72 subspecies, 238 varieties, and 7 forms across 146 families and 764 genera. The dataset includes fern allies (118 species, 5 varieties in 14 families and 34 genera), gymnosperms ( 14 species, 3 varieties in 4 families and 8 genera), and angiosperms (2,351 species, 72 subspecies, 230 varieties, and 7 forms in 128 families and 722 genera). Additionally, 119 species, 1 subspecies, and 2 varieties are listed in The List of Key Protected Wild Plants in Shanxi Province (2023), and 37 species, 1 subspecies, and 2 varieties in The List of Key Protected Wild Plants in China (2021). Further work should prioritize species with limited distribution data and species of concern to further enhance catalog plan in Shanxi Province. This research can provide fundamental data for updating the Flora of Shanxi and advancing plant diversity conservation strategies within Shanxi Province.

Key words: Shanxi Province, species catalog, wild vascular plants, plant diversity