Characteristics of ancient trees in different urbanization rates areas of Yi nationality in Yunnan Province

Abstract

The urbanization undoubtedly has a significant impact on minority cultures and the natural environment from which minority cultures are born, and they are closely intertwined in the birth and preservation of cultural diversity. Ancient trees, known as green cultural relics, are the resources retained by human cultures, which form important bases for studying regional vegetation and national cultures, since it can yield valuable insights into the intricate connections between nature and human societies, shedding light on how the natural environment both shapes and is influenced by cultural expressions. In the present study, we surveyed the ancient trees of seven towns with different urbanization rates in Chuxiong City, the main habitation area of Yi nationality in Yunnan Province, in order to explore the influence of urbanization development on minority cultures reflected by the characteristics of ancient trees. The results were as follows: (1) A total of 301 ancient trees were recorded, belonging to 26 species, 22 genera, and 16 families. Pistacia chinensis, Platycladus orientalis and Camellia reticulata were dominant species, accounting for more than 75% of the total number of ancient tree individuals. (2) Although Lucheng Town and Donggua Town were with the highest urbanization rate, while Ziwu Town was with the lowest urbanization rate, they all exhibited a high level of ancient tree diversity, with most of such ancient trees aggregatedly distributed around temples, parks and schools. (3) The species composition and distribution of ancient trees in Lucheng Town and Donggua Town with the highest urbanization rate reflected the foreign culture influence, while Ziwu Town with the lowest rate had more native species from the “God forests” of Yi nationality. (4) Towns with a high proportion of Yi nationality had neither higher diversity of ancient trees nor more “God forests” species. To sum up, in the process of urbanization development, ethnic minority cultures are faced with the dilemma of gradual loss, which further affects the composition and spatial distribution characteristics of regional ancient trees. Enhancing the safeguarding of ancient trees and fostering the preservation of national cultures are mutually reinforcing endeavors.

Keywords

• urbanization rate
• ancient trees
• species diversity
• distribution characteristics
• national culture