Some Ecological Characteristics and Vegetation Structure in the Distribution Area of Panax Stipuleanatus in Hoang Lien Mountain Range

Abstract

Panax stipuleanatus, a precious genetic resource, is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in the Vietnam Red Data Book 2007 and in group IIa of Decree 32-CP. It is a species of high economic value that is being severely reduced in many individuals and mangrove plant communities and needs to be studied and preserved. A number of biological and ecological characteristics and vegetation structures in the distribution area of this species have been studied and determined. Specifically, the ambient temperature ranges from 4.9-25.5^oC; humidity about 70-92%, rainfall 26-780 mm and sunshine hours 92-230 hours, soil with pH value 3.97; Total K₂O 9.10(g/kg), Fe⁺² 27.24 (g/kg), total P 0.33%; Total N 0.28% and total organic carbon 4.97%. Panax stipuleanatus is discovered under the canopy of mixed vegetation of subtropical broadleaf trees from an altitude of 1.300-1.800m, with a slope of 12-16%, where the density of plant species is about 1.460 trees/ha, including species of importance index > 5%, such as Castanopsissp, LinderacaudataHook.f., Lithocarpusfordianus (Hemsl.) Chun, Schefflerapauciffora R. Vig., Schimawallichi (DC.) Korth and Prunusarborea Blume. These are considered important data on ecological biology and the specific distribution area of Panaxstipuleanatus, which is the foundation for researching, developing, and proposing preservation solutions, exploiting, and promoting this rare genetic resource in Vietnam.