The Ecogeographical Distribution of Hippophae rhamnoides Subsp. sinensis and Its Phytogeographical Significance

Lian Yong-Shan, Chen Xue-Lin

Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Online:1992-08-10 Published:1992-08-10
Contact: Lian Yong-Shan

Abstract:

Hippophae rhamnoides L. subsp. sinensis Rousi is confined to China.

The subspecies, a primitive member of the genus, is one of important plant

resources for food and medicinal industry and also a genetic resource for breeding.

The subspecies ranges from Southwest to Northeast China, i .e .from the northeast

part of Tibet to the sourthwest corner of the Da Hinggan Mountains ,through

Loess Plateau. Made in this paper was an analysis of the limits of tolerance, the

limiting factors and the fittest value, and of ecological factors regulating the

distribution area of the subspecies such as heat, sunshine and rainfall. The analy-

sis is based on comparison of the similarities between the distribution range and

the isolines of the various ecological factors, combined with the field work of the

subspecies. The result indicates that not only does the bush of Hippophae

rhamnoides L. subsp. sinensis Rousi occupy a stable geographical range, but also

it shows a zonal distribution pattern, controlled by rainfall and heat. Its geo-

graphical range is roughly located in the transitional zone of three vegetation re-

gions in China, i.e. the east moist forest region, the northwest desert and

steppe region and the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau alpine vegetation region. Therefore,

the bush can be used for delimitating the three vegetation regions. This fact

implies that the concept should be revised that the distribution of bushes is not of

obvious horizontal-zonal pattern. Also discussed in the present paper are ecological

conditions for the artificial Seabuckthron’s garden, the relationship between the

geographical range and the planting system in agriculture as well as the afforestation.

Key words: Hippophae rhamnoides L. subsp. Sinensis, Zonation of vegetation, Ecological factors, Agricultural regionalization, Afforestation

Lian Yong-Shan, Chen Xue-Lin. The Ecogeographical Distribution of Hippophae rhamnoides Subsp. sinensis and Its Phytogeographical Significance[J]. .

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