Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Urban Heritage Tree Resources under Rapid Urbanization: Evidence from Anqing, China

Authors

  • Yang Pan Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Characteristic Resource Utilization in Southwest Anhui, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
  • Xingyu Luo Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Characteristic Resource Utilization in Southwest Anhui, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
  • Zhiqiang Fan Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Characteristic Resource Utilization in Southwest Anhui, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
  • Huali Zeng Tropical Biodiversity and Bioresource Utilization Laboratory, Qiongtai Normal University, Haikou 571127, China
  • Yuewei Tong Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Characteristic Resource Utilization in Southwest Anhui, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
  • Xiaoyan Xiang Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Characteristic Resource Utilization in Southwest Anhui, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
  • Chunping Xie Tropical Biodiversity and Bioresource Utilization Laboratory, Qiongtai Normal University, Haikou 571127, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6228-7225

Keywords:

Heritage trees, Species diversity, Spatial distribution, Conservation strategy, Anqing, Urbanization impacts

Abstract

Heritage trees link natural ecosystems and cultural heritage, offering essential ecosystem services and embodying historical and community identity. This study investigated 318 heritage trees in Anqing City, southwest Anhui Province, China—a historically significant area undergoing rapid urbanization—through field surveys (June 2023 to October 2025), historical records, and spatial analysis. The trees comprise 50 species from 27 families, dominated by Liquidambar formosana, followed by Camphora officinarum and Pterocarya stenoptera. Species richness was highest in Yixiu District, while Daguan District showed the greatest diversity and evenness despite lowest abundance. Trees exhibited clustered distribution around temples, traditional villages, historical gardens, and institutional sites, reflecting cultural preferences and historical land use. Population structure skewed toward younger (74.5% aged 100 to 175 years) and moderate-sized trees, attributable to historical disturbances, recent protection policies, and urbanization impacts. Key threats include urban expansion, infrastructure damage, fragmented governance, inadequate maintenance, and climate change. The findings reveal the combined influence of ecological adaptability, cultural traditions, and anthropogenic factors on tree composition and distribution. Strengthened legal frameworks, scientific management, urban planning integration, community engagement, sustainable funding, and climate adaptation are needed. This work provides evidence-based recommendations for heritage tree protection in Anqing and insights for similar urbanizing regions in China.

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Published

2026-04-16

How to Cite

Pan, Y., Luo, X., Fan, Z., Zeng, H., Tong, Y., Xiang, X., & Xie, C. (2026). Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Urban Heritage Tree Resources under Rapid Urbanization: Evidence from Anqing, China. BioResources, 21(2), 4810–4829. Retrieved from https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/25563

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication