Geographic Distribution and Current Status and Conservation Strategy of the Genus Myricaria in China

The genus Myricaria Desv.distributed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions,a typical alpine plant genus in the Eurasian temperate zone.Most species in the genus are keystone riparian plants in wetland ecosystem and desert ecosystem.In order to evaluate current status of these valuable plants,we conducted an extensive survey across entire geographical distribution and threatened status of 10 species and one variety endemic to China.The results showed that all species surveyed are found being threatened or endangered,i.e.Myricaria laxiflora will be soon extinct in the wild and M.platyphylla is becoming critically endangered and M.pulcherrima endangered,while other species M.elegans var.elegans,M.elegans var.tsetangensis,M.wardii,M.prostrata and M.rosea are becoming vulnerable due to fragmented habitats and increasing anthropogenic activities.M.paniculata,M.squamosa,M.bracteata are also more or less threatened despite their broad geographical distribution.Our full-range of field survey provided(updated)and useful baseline information of the biogeography of the genus.The results also highlighted the negative impacts of irrigation works,desertification and global temperature changes on habitat ecosystem and conservation strategy is discussed.