What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to assess the diversity patterns and optimal configurations of Pinus yunnanensis across different vegetation types in southwest China.

February 10, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Optimal Community Composition of Pinus yunnanensis in Different Vegetation Types

JWJiamin Wan WLWenna Li MCMingmiao Chen

Key Points

This research aims to assess the diversity patterns and optimal configurations of Pinus yunnanensis across different vegetation types in southwest China.
Evaluated taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity across three vegetation types: ECFs, ECMFs, and DCMFs.
Recorded 120 vascular plant species from 33 families and analyzed their community structures.
Performed statistical comparisons on species richness and phylogenetic diversity.
DCMFs exhibited significantly higher species richness than ECFs, linked to better light availability.
Both ECMFs and DCMFs showed richer phylogenetic diversity compared to ECFs.
The P. yunnanensis–Pinus armandii community in ECFs was identified as particularly suitable for high-altitude restoration.
The optimal community configuration for DCMFs involved P. yunnanensis–Alnus nepalensis, benefiting from nitrogen fixation.

Abstract

Pinus yunnanensis, an endemic tree species in southwest China, is regarded as a suitable candidate for afforestation. However, long-term disturbances have led to forest degradation and structural simplification. This study evaluated taxonomic and phylogenetic alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity across three P. yunnanensis vegetation types: evergreen coniferous forests (ECFs), evergreen coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests (ECMFs), and deciduous and coniferous broad-leaved mixed forests (DCMFs), aiming to identify their optimal ecological configurations. A total of 120 vascular plant species from 33 families and 55 genera were recorded, with Ericaceae, Fagaceae, Pinaceae, and Adoxaceae as the co-dominant families. In the tree layer, species richness was significantly higher in DCMFs than in ECFs (p < 0.05), likely due to improved winter light availability resulting from seasonal canopy shedding. Both ECMFs and DCMFs supported significantly higher phylogenetic α diversity than ECFs, indicating a broader evolutionary history and potentially greater functional resilience. In contrast, taxonomic β diversity was lower in ECFs, suggesting a more homogeneous species composition dominated by closely related shrubs. Among the vegetation types, the P. yunnanensis–Pinus armandii community in ECFs showed the highest species richness and a stable microenvironment, making it particularly suitable for ecological restoration at high altitudes. Within ECMFs, the P. yunnanensis–Lyonia ovalifolia community appeared to be the most optimal, potentially reducing competition and promoting species coexistence through resource complementarity. In DCMFs, the P. yunnanensis–Alnus nepalensis community, with its strong nitrogen-fixing capacity, emerged as the preferred configuration for restoring degraded forests at lower elevations. These findings suggest that future vegetation restoration projects centered on P. yunnanensis should adopt tailored combinations of vegetation types based on specific environmental conditions.

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