The Diversity Of Wild Medicinal Plants Of Lufeng In Eastern Guangdong, China

Abstract Backgrounds: Lufeng is located in the most backward coastal city in Guangdong, but it is a good place for medicinal plant cultivation because of the richness of plant species and the variety of land types, potential and adaptability. However, there are few comprehensive reports on the existing wild medicinal plants in Lufeng City. Relying on the fourth national census of Chinese medicine resources, this study aims to document the diversity of wild medicinal plant resources, medicinal properties, flavors, and effects, as well as the comprehensive value of key medicinal plants in Lufeng City.Methods: By consulting literature, collecting medicinal plants specimens, and field investigation, 36 sample sites and 32 sample lines in Lufeng were studied. For each described plant species, the composition of the family and genus, life forms, medicinal properties and flavors, the part of the plant used in medicine, and the medicinal uses were recorded. Key medicinal plants shall be determined by the catalog of the National Census of Chinese Medicinal Resources focused on the investigation of Chinese medicinal resources (Chinese herbal medicine), and the key medicinal plants with high comprehensive value in the city shall be determined by calculating the comprehensive value (SVMP).Results: 410 species of wild medicinal plants were identified, belonging to 304 genera and 118 families. Perennial herbs and shrubs were the main life forms. In terms of medicinal parts, the most are roots and rhizomes, accounting for 49.02%. WMPs with flat property (33.17%) took the largest proportion. These medicines mainly had three medicinal flavors, including sweet (39.27%) bitter (35.37%), and pungent (31.71%). The main uses of them were clearing heat (38.29%). The comprehensive value of imperative WMPs is high, but the development and utilization rate is low. Conclusion: Lufeng city is rich in the kinds of WMPs. In the future, in order to promote the local economic development, wild medicinal plants with high comprehensive value: Sargentodoxa cuneata, Plantago asiatica, Mentha canadensis, Juncus effusus and Turpinia montana should be developed. At the same time, the WMPs should be carefully considered in future development plans aimed at promoting sustainability.