Abstract:

China serves as a global biodiversity hotspot for Gesneriaceae, with particularly high species richness and exceptional endemism rates concentrated in its southwestern regions. The family Gesneriaceae is characterized by its rich biological diversity, reproductive and nutritional organ phenotypic polymorphism, and a pan-tropical distribution pattern. These characteristics make this taxon a primary focus in research related to biogeography, evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, and more. Despite the importance of Gesneriaceae, investigations concerning its biodiversity in China have been limited to cataloging species, or some other generic analyses. This has left a gap in understanding the diversity distribution patterns of Gesneriaceae throughout China. To fill this gap, this study compiled literature and specimen data to catalogue Gesneriaceae and establish a geographic distribution database for China’s known Gesneriaceae. The findings reveal that Gesneriaceae primarily inhabit the tri-junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi, as well as the Hengduan Mountains, southeastern Tibet, and across southern provinces. As of 30 June 2024, the Gesneriaceae in China comprised 46 genera and 880 species (including 58 varieties). Among these, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region had the most species (324), followed by Yunnan Province (319 species) and then Guizhou Province (159 species). At the county scale, Malipo County (70 species) and Pingbian Miao Autonomous County (63 species) of Yunnan Province had the most Gesneriaceae diversity. These invaluable findings will enable Chinese researchers to further their investigations and conservation efforts related to Gesneriaceae.

Key words: Gesneriaceae, plant checklist, species diversity, distribution data, distribution center