Pinus densata Alliance is one of the most widespread pine forests in mountains of southwest China. Endemic to China, this alliance occurs in west Sichuan, northwest Yunnan, and southeast Xizang. In this study, we defined the geographic distribution boundary and priliminarily ascertained the geographic distribution area of P. densata Alliance based on previous literature and field investigation sites. Using data from 48 plots surveyed during 2020-2022, we proposed a preliminary scheme of vegetation classification and described the community structure characteristics for P. densata Alliance, and analyzed species composition characteristics combined with data from 11 plots surveyed in 2012. The results showed that (1) the distribution area of P. densata Alliance covered 33 counties and cities, including Yajiang, Xiangcheng, Daocheng, Dêqên, Xamgyi’nyilha, Markam, Mainling, and so on, at an altitude ranging from (1 300) 2 500 to 3 800 (4 000) m, and the eastern, western, northern and southern boundaries were Donggu Town in Danba County, Zengqi Township in Sangri County, Puxi Township in Zamtang County, and Yulong Snow Mountain in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County. (2) 522 vascular plant species belonging to 222 genera and 67 families were recorded, among which there were 500 seed plants belonging to 209 genera and 60 families, and 233 Chinese endemic plants belonging to 114 genera and 42 families, and the north temperate element was the dominant areal-type. (3) Based on the differences in community structure and species composition, P. densata Alliance could be classified into 7 association groups and 20 associations.

Keteleeria pubescens is endemic to China and is classified as a national second-class key protected wild plant species. The distribution areas of the K. pubescens communities were extremely narrow, primarily occurred in patches in mountainous and hilly regions of Guizhou and Hunan. To reveal the spatial distribution, community composition, and characteristics of K. pubescens forests, a comprehensive plot surveys of the communities from 2021 to 2023 during the plant growing season. A total of 4 survey sites were selected within the distribution range of K. pubescens forests, with 11 plots established, largely covered all distribution areas of the forests. Information on habitat, species composition, and quantity characteristics of all the forests were recorded. The main results of the quantitative analysis are: (1) K. pubescens forests had a rich species composition, with a total of 102 vascular plant species recorded; (2) Totally classified into 2 Association Groups and 2 Associations, namely, K. pubescens + Evergreen Broadleaf Tree Association Group and K. pubescens - Herb Association Group; K. pubescens + Quercus glauca Association and K. pubescens - Woodwardia japonica Association; (3) The forests’ vertical stratification is obvious, including tree, shrub and herb layers, in the tree layer there were mainly K. pubescens and species of Quercus, Castanopsis, and Pinus; (4) The regeneration of K. pubescens is poor. This study surely provides solid scientific data for effective conservation and management of K. pubescens forests.

Keteleeria davidiana is a relict and endemic species found in China, and K. davidiana forests are distributed in Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou and Yunnan. These forests play important roles in soil improvement, water conservation, material and medicinal functions. To provide a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of K. davidiana germplasm resources, we obtained data from 48 forest plots where K. davidiana is the primary dominant species through field investigations. Based on the principles of community-ecological classification and the latest revision of the Chinese vegetation classification system, we classified the forests into Association Groups and Associations, and described the characteristics of each Association Group and Association, highlighting their community composition and structure. The main results are as follows: (1) We classified the 48 plots into 3 Association Groups, including K. davidiana - Shrub - Herb Association Group, K. davidiana - Herb Association Group and K. davidiana + broadleaf tree - Herb Association Group, and these three Association Groups were further divided into 7 Associations, including K. davidiana - Myrsine africana - Cyrtomium fortunei Association, K. davidiana - Camellia oleifera - Liriope spicata Association, K. davidiana - L. spicata Association, K. davidiana - Carex breviculmis Association, K. davidiana - Diplopterygium glaucum Association, K. davidiana - Isachne globosa Association, K. davidiana + Liquidambar formosana - Iris confusa Association. (2) In both the K. davidiana - Shrub - Herb Association Group and the K. davidiana - Herb Association Group, K. davidiana was the sole dominant species in the arbor layer. (3) In the surveyed K. davidiana forest, a significant number of young K. davidiana trees were present in the shrub layer, indicating good regeneration. In this study, we provide the original survey data of all plots and specify the sources of existing data.

Tsuga dumosa forests were mainly distributed in the Hengduan Mountains and their extension areas in the southwestern region of China, including Xizang, Yunnan, and Sichuan. The current T. dumosa forests are mainly found in humid mountainous regions and mostly grow on mountain ridges, steep slopes, and along river banks. These forests experienced varying degrees of disturbances, both natural and anthropogenic. To reveal the spatial distribution, community composition and characteristics of T. dumosa forests, this study conducted systematic field investigation during the plant growing seasons in 2018 and 2021-2023. The investigation on T. dumosa forest communities across their entire distribution range in China, totaling 114 survey locations were selected and 178 sample plots were established. We recorded species composition, quantitative characteristics, habitat information, and other relevant details of the communities. The main results of the study were as follows: (1) In 178 sample plots of T. dumosa Forest Alliance (simply called T. dumosa forests), a total of 403 vascular plant species were recorded. (2) Tsuga dumosa forests were rich in community types. Through quantitative analytical methods, they have been classified into 11 Association Groups and 34 Associations. (3) The forests’ vertical stratification was obvious. In the arborous layer there were mainly T. domosa and species of Quercus, Abies, Lithocarpus, Picea, Acer and Rhododendron. (4) Tsuga dumosa’s regeneration was active. This study surely provides solid scientific data for a better understanding of the role of T. dumosa forests in the coniferous forest zone of China.

The Juniperus przewalskii forests is a unique vegetation type that only appear in China. They are widely distributed in the mountains of the northeastern edge of the Qingzang Plateau, which became a representative community of the alpine timberline and the forest-grass ecotone. Such forests play crucial roles in slope protection, soil conservation, water source preservation, and habitat improvement. A systematic study on their distribution, composition, and characteristics can provide a scientific basis for the current protection, utilization, and sustainable management of J. przewalskii forests. We conducted a comprehensive survey of J. przewalskii forests throughout the growing seasons from 2018 to 2022. We set up 53 new survey plots and compiled data from 20 historical survey plots; the results covered the entire distribution area of J. przewalskii forests. Through community quantitative statistics and cluster analysis, the main results are as follows. (1) J. przewalskii forests are primarily distributed on sunny and semi-sunny mountain slopes from 2 800 to 3 800 m. They usually occupy harsh environment that is dry, barren, and steep slopes. The existing forests are mostly climax communities after secondary successions. Such forest stands are relatively sparse, with a canopy coverage of 0.2 to 0.6 and an average height from 5 to 13 m. The vertical structure consists of the tree layer, shrub layer, and herb layer. The tree layer is dominated by J. przewalskii, and the diameter class structure shows a right-skewed normal distribution, with the diameter at breast height mainly distributed in the 4-8 cm range. The shrub layer and herb layer vary greatly with changes in habitat conditions. (2) A total of 370 species of vascular plants have been recorded, which belong to 48 families and 151 genera. Among them, there are 45 families, 148 genera of angiosperms, 2 families and 2 genera of gymnosperms, and 1 family and 1 genus of pteridophytes. The top three dominant families are Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae. There are obviously more herbaceous species than woody species in terms of the composition of vegetation forms. (3) Juniperus przewalskii forests can be further classified into 11 association groups and 25 associations based on the dominant and characteristic species of the community. The spatial distribution exhibits a clear ecological sequence, including (from low to high altitude) J. przewalskii - Berberis diaphana - Herb Association Group, J. przewalskii - Dasiphora fruticosa - Herb Association Group, J. przewalskii - Dasiphora parvifolia - Herb Association Group, and J. przewalskii - Dasiphora glabra - Herb Association Group. In areas with significant human disturbance, the shrub layer in the community is poorly developed and gradually develops into Juniperus przewalskii - Herb Association group.

Tropical evergreen broadleaf shrublands in low mountain and hilly areas represent the most extensive shrubland type in China. We surveyed 325 plots between 2011 and 2019 across three dominant vegetation alliances to classify community types and quantify their floristic composition, structure, and distribution. Using classical Chinese vegetation classification and quantitative analysis, we identified three major shrubland types. (1) Baeckea frutescens shrublands occur from 18.4° to 25.9° N and 105.2° to 118.3° E, at altitudes of 0-1 340 m. In 101 plots, we recorded 170 vascular plant species in 52 families and 124 genera, with 79.5% of seed plant genera showing tropical affinities; evergreen broadleaf woody species accounted for 90% of total importance value. This alliance comprises 5 association groups and 7 associations. (2) Rhodomyrtus tomentosa shrublands span 18.2° to 26.2° N and 104.3° to 118.8° E, at 4-700 m altitude. In 205 plots, we recorded 373 vascular plant species across 79 families and 241 genera, with 70.2% tropical genera and 85% importance value for evergreen broadleaf woody species. This alliance includes 4 association groups and 24 associations. (3) Psidium guajava shrublands, occurring between 22.1° to 27.1° N and 101.7° to 113.8° E, at 100-900 m altitude, were recorded in 19 plots, comprising 83 vascular plant species across 38 families and 76 genera, with 71.8% tropical seed plant genera, and an 81% importance value for evergreen broadleaf woody plants. This alien-dominated alliance forms 4 association groups and 5 associations. Baeckea frutescens and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa shrublands share similar community structures and habitat preferences, representing native, natural secondary communities with overlapping ranges. In contrast, Psidium guajava shrublands, dominated by alien plants, pose a growing threat to native vegetation and require urgent monitoring. Our results offer a comprehensive baseline for understanding the structure, function, and dynamics of tropical shrubland ecosystem in China.

Loropetalum chinense shrubland is a widespread and ecologically significant vegetation type in subtropical China, contributing to water regulation, soil conservation, and biodiversity maintenance. However, its ecological attributes and classification at the national scale remain poorly understood. This study provides the first systematic characterization of the structure, distribution, and environmental context of L. chinense shrublands and develops a comprehensive classification to inform conservation and management strategies. We conducted field surveys in 238 plots across the L. chinense shrubland’s distribution from 2011 to 2019. Community type were identified using classical Chinese vegetation classification combined with quantitative methods. We identified community types and quantitatively described their structure and floristic traits, topography, climate, and soil data were analyzed to characterize ecological conditions. Loropetalum chinense shrublands are primarily distributed in low-to-mid mountains and hilly regions (35-1 480 m altitude) under warm, humid subtropical climates (mean annual temperatures: 13.6-20.7 °C; mean coldest month temperatures: 1.6-11.7 °C; annual precipitation: 957-1 802 mm; humidity index: 0.9-1.0). The shrublands occur on diverse soils—red, yellow, latosol, yellow-brown, and limestone—with pH values ranging from 3.71 to 9.08. The flora comprises 598 vascular plant species from 105 families and 318 genera, with tropical genera contributing 52.5% and temperate genera 38.1%. The communities are woody-dominated (67.4%), with evergreen species slightly more prevalent than deciduous species. Herbaceous species are mainly perennial herbs and ferns (80%). Structurally, the shrub layer has 80% mean coverage (mean height: 1.7 m; species richness: 12), where L. chinense is dominant or co-dominant (importance value: 33%). The herbaceous and moss layers averaged 33% and 27% coverage, respectively. The L. chinense alliance was classified into six Association Groups and 34 Associations, placed within Hilly Subtropical Evergreen Broadleaf Shrubland Alliance Group under the Subtropical Evergreen Broadleaf Shrubland Subformation of the Evergreen Broadleaf Shrubland Formation in China’s national vegetation classification. This study provides the nationwide synthesis of L. chinense shrubland characteristics, delivering essential data for conservation planning and sustainable ecosystem management in subtropical China.

The Caragana tibetica community is a vegetation type distributed only in Central Asia region, in a transitional zone between desert steppe and desert. This community holds significant ecological value within its distribution area. This study reported the data of 55 C. tibetica plots surveyed in Nei Mongol, Qinghai and Xizang. (1) A total of 142 plant species were recorded in the C. tibetica community, belonging to 82 genera from 35 families. The community composition was dominated by Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae, with 35 species of shrubs and subshrubs, 72 species of perennial herbs, and 35 species of annual or biennial herbs. (2) The floristic geographic elements were predominantly composed of species with a Gobi-Mongolian distribution (17.61%). Based on the degree of species presence, 126 species (88.73% of the total species) were classified as level I (0-20%), which were occasional species in the community. The life form was mainly composed of hemicryptophytes. In water ecological types, xerophytes (50.00%) and extreme xerophytes (14.79%) were dominated. (3) According to the life form and dominance of species, C. tibetica communities can be classified into 8 Association Groups: C. tibetica - Grass Association Group, C. tibetica - Allium Association Group, C. tibetica - Forb Association Group, C. tibetica + Shrubs - Grass Association Group, C. tibetica + Shrubs - Forb Association Group, C. tibetica - Subshrubs - Grass Association Group, C. tibetica - Subshrubs - Allium Association Group, and C. tibetica - Subshrubs - Forb Association Group. These Association Groups can be further divided into 34 Associations.

Aims The vertical structure illustration can comprehensively express the structure, habitat characteristics and ecological relationships of plant communities. It is irreplaceable in vegetation research because of its high information capacity, and the efficiency of visualization and communication. However, previous vertical structure illustrations of community are short of symbol systems, and bear strong subjectivity in drawing and incomplete information expression, which hinders their effective utilization and in-depth exploration of the scientific value. Here, we propose a set of symbol systems and standardized drawing paradigms for the vegetation scientific illustrations based on the forest communities, which integrates vegetation ecology, art design and digital technology. It aims to precisely visualize the spatio-temporal characteristics of community structure and habitats.

Methods Based on the quadrat survey of typical subtropical vegetation types and the double narrow-band drawing method of facing and parallel slope surfaces, a multi-level symbol system, including six major element modules and 21 types of graphic symbols, was designed and innovatively introduced the workflow of Chinese painting realistic techniques and digital drawing tools to form a standardized process from field sketches to digital drawings.

Important findings A set of symbol systems, composition parameters and drawing techniques of the vertical structure illustration for forest community profiles was proposed, including three major symbol libraries of terrain, vegetation and soil. It brings about the quantitative expression of community vertical stratification (trees, shrubs, herbs), individual morphology (diameter at breast height, crown width, branching angle) and habitat factors (slope, soil texture, litter thickness), and clearly shows the spatial (vertical stratification and relative position of plant individuals) and non-spatial (species composition, individual size and density, etc.) structures, interspecific relationships and habitat information of the community. The universality across vegetation types has been verified through the drawing practices of 11 associations and 33 sub-graphs. This study begins at the composition and design of elements, standardizing the composition, symbol and expression techniques of the vertical structure illustration of forest community, optimizes the traditional schematic paradigm, and promotes the vertical structure illustration of community to bear both scientific accuracy and artistic expression, which provides standardized drawing tools for the compilation of Vegetation of China.

The compilation of vegetation monographs is a systematic endeavor that must be conducted in accordance with established standards and guiding principles. However, there remains a notable lack of detailed guidelines and technical references regarding the construction of diagrams within these compilations. This study addresses common challenges in the preparation of diagram drawing for vegetation monographs, including geographical distribution maps of plant communities, community profile diagrams, ecological climate charts, classification tables of plant associations, and other conventional figures. It presents a comprehensive set of scientifically sound and efficient methodologies for the creation of these diagrams, such as base map processing and point plotting for distribution maps, field survey and drawing procedures for profile diagrams, data extraction and visualization techniques for ecological climate charts, and the selection of appropriate quantitative classification methods for plant associations. These proposed methods aim to standardize the visual style of diagram across vegetation monographs, enhance the overall coherence and scientific rigor of the compilations, and provide a technical reference for future monograph projects and scientific publications involving diagram drawing.

Aims In recent years, the invasion of Spartina alterniflora has caused significant damage to the structure and function of the wetland ecosystem in the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve. Analyzing the invasion characteristics and landscape pattern changes of S. alterniflora over a long-term period holds considerable ecological importance.

Methods In this study, we use long-term Landsat optical remote sensing images as the primary data source, focusing on the wetlands of the Yellow River. Employing a support vector machine classification algorithm, we extracted wetland type information of the Yellow River Delta from 2000 to 2022. This allowed us to uncover the spatiotemporal dynamics of the wetlands. Additionally, we applied eight landscape pattern indices to examine the outbreak characteristics of S. alterniflora and conducted further analysis on its spatial pattern, evolution characteristics, and associated ecological factors.

Important findings The results revealed that: (1) The average overall accuracy of ground object extraction across 23 periods was 88.60%, with an average Kappa coefficient of 0.85. The Support Vector Machine algorithm demonstrated higher classification accuracy compared to other traditional machine learning methods, making it highly effective for analyzing wetland evolution mechanisms. (2) The long-term wetland evolution analysis showed distinct phases in the expansion of S. alterniflora. From 2002 to 2010, its expansion was slow. However, since 2010, the expansion on both sides of the Yellow River estuary entered an explosive phase. By 2012, its area had increased to 22.63 km², continuing to grow steadily, reaching 50.42 km² by 2021. The landscape pattern index indicated that S. alterniflora has a significant ecological advantage in the study area. Fragmented patches of S. alterniflora have progressively merged and connected, invading native wetland vegetation and creating a mosaic-like spatial pattern with other vegetation communities. (3) The expansion of S. alterniflora in the study area showed a high correlation with hydrothermal conditions, sunshine duration, topography, and the mudflat environment. Among these factors, the correlation between sunshine conditions, proximity to the sea, and the growth of S. alterniflora was particularly strong. These findings provide theoretical support for relevant departments in the sustainable management and utilization of wetlands in the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve, as well as in the control and eradication of S. alterniflora.

Aims Elucidating the spatial pattern of biomass and its influencing factors is crucial for the management of plantations, yet such study in urban forests with different stand ages is lacking.

Methods We collected the inventory data of forests in Beijing and used the method of biomass expansion factor to estimate plantation biomass with different stand ages. Linear regression and polynomial fitting method were used to identify the factors that affect on the biomass of plantations. The spatial patterns of biomass were simulated by the way of random forest. Finally, the spatial correlations of biomass with the factors of climate, vegetation, and topography as well as the anthropogenic effects in different age stands were conducted by the technique of Geodetector.

Important findings The results showed that the biomass increased with increasing stand ages, from 35.22 Mg·hm^-2 for young stand increased to 148.59 Mg·hm^-2 for over-mature forests. The climatic, vegetation, and anthropogenic factors had greater influence on biomass compared to topographical factors. In addition, the factors that influenced young forest biomass differed from the stands with other ages, due to its frequently management. Moreover, contrasting with other factors, the nighttime lights, sunshine duration and precipitation were likely to be important factors influencing the spatial pattern of biomass, with explaining power of 52.91%, 51.28% and 45.75%, respectively. Furthermore, there was also a strong interaction among these factors on spatial pattern of biomass in these urban forests, with over 70% of explaining power induced by the interactive of precipitation, nighttime lights, gross domestic product and population density. In present study, higher biomass was associated within the ranges of 12.3-13.0 °C in temperature, 526.8-542.6 mm in precipitation, 2 543.1-2 602.8 h in sunshine duration, and 0.46-0.59 in vegetation index of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our study highlights that the spatial pattern of biomass in urban forests was influenced by multiple factors. Identifying such influences is an important matter for better management of urban forests in practice.

Aims Imbalance between light energy absorption and utilization causes winter photoinhibition in overwintering evergreens. Many studies have investigated the overwintering photoprotective strategies of temperate and boreal evergreens under freezing temperatures. However, little is known about the photoprotective mechanisms of evergreen broadleaf plants in response to low temperatures dominated by above 0 °C in the subtropical winter. This research aims to explore the photoprotective strategies of overwintering evergreen broadleaf species with different cold tolerances in the subtropical region.

Methods This study was carried out on the campus of Jinggangshan University from October 2022 to March 2023. Three evergreen broadleaf species, Photinia × fraseri (high cold resistance), Magnolia grandiflora(moderate cold resistance), and Ficus concinna (cold sensitive), which were planted more than 10 years ago, were selected. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of shade leaves and sun leaves were measured from the Detached leaves using Dual-PAM-100/F.

Important findings The winter photoinhibition (WPI) of photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI), as well as the photoprotective mechanisms in shade- and sun-leaves of the three evergreen broadleaf species, displayed distinct temperature response characteristics in relation to low temperatures in winter and warming in early spring. During winter, low temperatures combined with strong light only induced slight reversible photoinhibition of PSII in sun leaves of P. × fraseri, but led to severe photoinhibition of both PSII and PSI in sun leaves of M. grandiflora and F. concinna. Furthermore, the reductions in the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m) and the maximum fluorescence signal of P700 reaction center (P_m) in F. concinna were significantly greater than those in M. grandiflora. Low temperatures combined with strong light triggered increases in heat dissipation (NPQ) and cyclic electron flow around PSI (CEF-PSI) to safeguard PSII and PSI of the sun leaves on P. × fraseri during winter. Moreover, low temperature combined with strong light stimulated the compensatory recovery of PSII and PSI functions in sun leaves of P. × fraseri, as manifested by the photochemical quenching (q_P), and the effective quantum yields of PSII and PSI (Y(II) and Y(I)) recovering to a higher level in the warming condition of early spring (March 2023) compared to those in Autumn (October 2022). The functions of PSII and PSI in sun leaves of M. grandiflora continuously declined during winter, but it adopted a photoprotective mechanism of enhancing CEF-PSI and maintaining a relatively strong heat dissipation capacity to maintain the coordination of PSII and PSI functions. Although CEF-PSI was enhanced, the heat dissipation capacity decreased significantly in sun leaves of F. concinna during winter, and low temperatures combined with strong light caused severe damage to PSII and PSI. Low temperatures did not cause obvious photoinhibition damage to shade leaves of the three evergreen species in the subtropical region during winter. Slight reversible photoinhibition of PSI was observed in shade leaves of P. × fraseriand M. grandiflora during winter. Photinia × fraseri possessed the photoprotective mechanism of maintaining a relatively high photochemical capacity and partially closing the PSII reaction center to reduce light absorption, while M. grandiflora mainly adopted the photoprotective mechanism of enhancing CEF-PSI and heat dissipation capacity. Although low temperatures reduced the heat dissipation capacity of shade leaves of F. concinna, the functions of PSII and PSI were not significantly affected, and slight reversible photoinhibition of PSII and PSI was caused in shade leaves of F. concinna during winter. The results indicated that the degree of WPI was negatively correlated with the cold tolerance of the three evergreen broadleaf species, and it was mainly determined by the tolerance of sun leaves to low temperature with strong light in winter in subtropical region. Evergreen broadleaf plants with high cold tolerance possessed relatively strong capacities of heat dissipation and CEF-PSI, and were able to maintain the coordination of PSII and PSI functions during winter.

Aims Soil inorganic nitrogen, including ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N), is one of essential nutrients for plant growth. Grazing affects soil physical and chemical properties and microbial activities through livestock feeding, trampling and manure return, changing soil inorganic nitrogen content, and thus affecting plant productivity. However, under different grazing intensities, the seasonal dynamics and interannual differences of soil inorganic nitrogen are not clear.

Methods This study takes the grassland in an agro-pastoral ecotone of northern Shanxi as the research object, using the grazing intensity manipulation experiment established in August 2016 (no grazing (UG), light grazing (LG, 2.35 sheep unit·hm^-2 per growing season), moderate grazing (MG, 4.80 sheep unit·hm^-2 per growing season), heavy grazing (HG, 7.85 sheep unit·hm^-2 per growing season)). The seasonal variations (May to September) of soil inorganic nitrogen contents from 2017 to 2021 were measured, and the seasonal dynamics and interannual differences of soil inorganic nitrogen contents under different grazing intensity were studied.

Important findings Results showed that: (1) different grazing intensity had no significant effect on the seasonal means of soil inorganic nitrogen contents, but significantly decreased plant biomass, which was related to the changes in the grazing effect in different periods of the growing season. (2) The soil inorganic nitrogen content increased at first and then decreased in the whole growing season. (3) The soil inorganic nitrogen content showed significant interannual difference, which was related to the changes in the interannual precipitation. Results showed that the responses of soil inorganic nitrogen content in northern agro-pastoral ecotone to short-term grazing intensity was not significant, and the changes in seasonal precipitation was the main reason for the interannual variations of soil inorganic nitrogen content. In the future, grassland management should pay more attention to the effect of precipitation changes on soil inorganic nitrogen.

The northern and southern mountains of Lanzhou are located at the westernmost part of the Loess Plateau, with herbaceous vegetation as the dominant vegetation, along with shrubs, deserts, and forests. To reveal the detailed vegetation types, community structures, and their geographical distribution, this study used a combination of field sample lines, typical sample surveys, and indoor analyses to systematically investigate the plant communities of these two mountains. A dataset of plant community sample plots was compiled, totaling 72 plots. Through data analysis, a total of 713 plant species belonging to 107 families and 378 genera (including infraspecific units) across four phyla were identified in the northern and southern mountains. Among them, 218 species from 124 genera and 59 families were cultivated plants, and 495 species from 282 genera and 79 families of natural plants. Plant growth form was dominated by herbaceous plants (68.32%), with perennials comprising the majority (66.11%). Woody plants accounted for 31.68%, most of which were deciduous (84.30%). Based on community-ecology classification, the vegetation of the northern and southern mountains can be divided into 4 vegetation formation groups, 9 vegetation formations, and 32 alliances, including 5 needleleaf forest alliances, 5 broadleaf forest alliances, 10 shrubland alliances, 5 steppe alliances, 1 meadow alliance, and 6 desert alliances. This dataset provides essential baseline information for studying plant diversity and ecology in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China. In addition, it serves as a scientific basis for regional ecosystem service supply, ecological environment quality improvement, and sustainable socioeconomic development.

Daluo Mountain, located in the southeastern Wenzhou City, lies within the subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest zone. Despite its ecological significance, comprehensive vegetation data for this region remain limited. This study aims to investigate the main vegetation types on Daluo Mountain, focusing on species composition, community characteristics, and distribution patterns. This study employs standard sampling methods to investigate the vegetation. A total of 85 plots were established across Daluo Mountain. Data were collected on species composition, quantitative attributes, and habitat characteristics. Vegetation types were classified and named, resulting in the Daluo Mountain plant community dataset. The survey identified 244 plant species from 179 genera and 96 families. The most species-rich families were Poaceae (23 species), Rosaceae (13 species), Fabaceae (12 species), Asteraceae (7 species), and Cupressaceae (6 species). The most species-rich genera include Ilex (6 species), Symplocos (5 species), Rubus (5 species), Smilax (4 species), and Persicaria (4 species). The vegetation was categorized into 6 Vegetation Formation Groups, 16 Vegetation Formations, and 56 Alliances, providing fundamental data for studying the vegetation characteristics of Daluo Mountain.