Endemic genera of Chinese seed plants in Jinfo Mountains Nature Reserve

Based on field investigation and quantitative analysis, it was found that there were 51 endemic genera of Chinese seed plants in Jinfo Mountains Nature Reserve, occupying 4.59% of the seed plant genera in this area and 20.99% of the genera in China. Among them, 4 genera belonged to Gymnospermae, and 47 genera belonged to Angiospermae. 39 mono-species genera occupied 76.47% of the total endemic genera of Chinese seed plants in the Reserve. The endemic genera from Lemiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Apiaceae and Orchidaceae occupied 31.37% of the total 51 genera. The genera of perennial herbages, deciduous trees, and deciduous shrubs were the main life forms, which summed to 41 genera, occupying 80.39% of the total endemic genera in this area. The 51 genera could be divided into two subtypes according to their distribution ranges, among which, 45 genera were restricted in eastern and central China, and 6 genera were mainly in southern China. Areal type analysis of the 51 endemic genera suggested that this flora had obviously transitional characters from tropical to temperate. These endemic genera mainly distributed over lower and medium height mountains. The flora was more closely allied to Dabashan, Wulingshan and Shennongjia in East Sichuan and West Hubei Center (or Sanxia Center). The ancient endemic genera and rare and endangered species took a substantial proportion in the 51 endemic genera of Chinese seed plants, suggesting that this area is an important refuge of paleoflora.