Patterns of Indigenous Broadleaf Tree Species Distributed in Guangdong Province Based on Cluster Analysis

A tree database was constructed based on Flora of China, Flora of Guangdong, and complementary field survey checklists, comprising a total of 1152 indigenous broadleaf tree species distributed in Guangdong Province, China. Distribution patterns of the indigenous broadleaf tree species were analyzed by multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP), indicator species analysis (ISA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests, according to their distribution range as delimited by cluster analysis. Results showed that the distribution of indigenous broadleaf tree species in Guangdong exhibited obvious latitudinal zonality, and were divided into three distribution regions. Region Ⅰ was mainly located in the Guangdong Northern Mountain Area, with Liquidambar acalycina, Zanthoxylum ailanthoides, and Eurycorymbus cavaleriei as the main indicator species. This region represented the mid-subtropical zone. Region Ⅱ was mainly in the central area of Guangdong, with Cinnamomum cassia, Trema angustifolia, and Xanthophyllum hainanense as the main indicator species, representing the characteristic species of the south subtropical zone. Region Ⅲ consisted of the coastal areas in southern Guangdong and its main indicator species were Kandelia candel and Acronychia pedunculata. Region Ⅰ had the highest species richness, followed by Region Ⅱ and then Region Ⅲ, with mean values of 376.5, 339.8 and 206.5, respectively.