Dynamic change of composition and functions of flora adapting to rapid urbanization: A case study of Hangzhou, China

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has changed urban ecological environments and affected local biodiversity. An analysis of the existing literature examining changes in urban biodiversity may help with urban planning and biodiversity conservation. The present paper analysed the dynamic change of plant diversity in Hangzhou over the past four decades of rapid urbanization. It was found that although the number of plant species increased from 1,565 in 1981 to 1,799 in 2020, 101 plant species were lost. At the same time, 18 invasive species of plants and 52 ornamental plant species were acquired, with the largest increase observed in perennial herbs as a result of urban greening. A comparison of the respective Ellenberg’s Indicator Values (EIV) of lost and acquired species reveals a larger increase in the number of species for sun plants than for shade plants. The latter did not increase with the rapid increase in urban green areas. A significant increase in the number of thermophilous plant species was observed, which is closely related to global warming and the heat island effect in cities. The number of aquatic plants also increased due to urban wetland landscaping. Prioritizing land conservation in urban planning is more conducive to producing and maintaining stable urban ecosystems and practicing sustainable urban development.