Study on bryophyte species and flora in Mulinzi National Nature Reserve

Based on field investigation, specimen collection, and literature review, we studied the species and floristic characteristics of bryophytes in Mulinzi National Nature Reserve, China. Based on our results, a total of 64 families, 121 genera, and 292 species of bryophytes were identified in the study area. Among them, 204 species, 83 genera, and 36 families were mosses, 88 species, 38 genera, and 28 families were liverworts, and 2 families, 9 genera, and 73 species were newly recorded in Hubei. The floristic composition of bryophytes was diverse, with 11 floristic types, mainly Temperate (30.89%) and East Asian components (18.92%). Compared with the Qingliangfeng, Dabashan, Shiwandashan, and Foping National Nature Reserves, Mulinzi National Nature Reserve exhibited a lower degree of species differentiation and greater family but lower species richness. The similarity in bryophyte composition between Mulinzi and Qingliangfeng was the highest, whereas similarity between Mulinzi and Foping was the lowest. From the perspective of bryophyte diversity, this study supports the viewpoint that species differentiation is higher in the Qingjiang River Basin. This study provides basic data on bryophyte diversity in Mulinzi National Nature Reserve and Hubei Province.