Abstract:
Objective This research aims to explore the spatial pattern characteristics of urban plant diversity at different scales in China, which is of great significance for maintaining and enhancing urban plant diversity.Methods Combining R software and GIS spatial analysis method, this research investigates the species richness and species similarity of woody plants in 161 of within 11 major urban agglomerations in China, compares the homogenization characteristics, spatial distribution patterns and spatial autocorrelation of urban woody plants at the national scale, and comprehensively analyzes the diversity features and spatial patterns of urban woody plants in China.Results 1) There are 7,542 species of woody plants in the research area, with nationally protected plants accounting for around 3.22% of the total. 2) The degree of homogenization of woody plants is greater in northern regions than in southern regions, and is much greater between adjacent cities. 3) Preliminary evidence is found for spatial autocorrelation of woody plant diversity at the national scale, with a significant positive correlation observed in 35 prefecturelevel cities and a significant negative correlation observed in 6 prefecture-level cities.Conclusion There is an imbalance between the spatial distribution patterns of woody plant diversity and the application of urban greening in China. In the future, more attention should be paid to the scientific application of native species in urban greening, which will help curb urban plant homogenization and protect and enhance urban plant diversity.