Final Report - Asian Development Bank

TA 4721-PRC: Preparing the Shaanxi-Qinling Mountains Integrated Ecosystem Management Project
Final Report Appendix 5
3.4.1.5 Subalpine Shrub
Subalpine shrub mostly occurs on Guangtoushan Mountain where the hypsography is higher; the
climate is cold; the weather is more varied; the wind is strong and solar radiation is intense. Shrubs in
the alpine zone have special shapes because of the long-term adaptation to low temperature, strong
winds and cold climate. The special shapes are low plant, prostrate stalk, cutin leaf and hair or
squama adjunct. The dominant species are Spiraea alpine, P otentilla arbuscula var. veitchii, Salix
paraplesia, Salix cupularis, Rhododendron capitatum, Rhododendron purdomii, Rosa tsinglingensis,
Berberis circumserrata. In subalpine shrub, dominant species are Rhododendron capitatum, which is
most abundant, and most widespread. The life-type registers of subalpine shrub gives priority to the
hemicrytophyte; the geophyte is second; the low phaenerophyte and the annual account for very little.
The character reflects that there is more long-time severe winter season in this environment.
3.4.2 Vertical Distribution of Vegetation
From the foot of mountain to the mountaintop and along with the elevation rise, temperatures decline,
precipitation increases, wind speed increases solar radiation increases, soil conditions change and
the growth season is shortens. Because of the combined action of these factors, the growth and
distribution of vegetation changes and the vertical distribution of vegetation is formed.
In Tianyu River valley of the Project Area, the vegetation is second growth shrubland, Platycladus
orientalis forest zone, Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata forest zone, birch (Betula spp.) forest zone,
Abies fargesii forest zone, Larix chinensis forest zone and subalpine shrub zone from the foot of the
mountain to the mountaintop (Fig. 2). The second growth shrubland is severely disrupted by human
action, but Platycladus orientalis forests and birch (Betula spp.) forests are evident transitional types.
The second growth shrubland is the result of cut Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata forest, but
Platycladus orientalis forest and birch (Betula spp.) forest is the result of cutting of the coniferous
forest. If forest destruction is stopped and the remaining stands are protected, renewal of natural
vegetation is possible.
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