The dam construction and water impoundment have extensively altered flow regime and riparian ecosystems. However, the effect of long-term winter flooding of reservoir on plants of drawdown area is poorly known. The Three Gorges Dam in China, the largest dam in the world, created a drawdown area of 348.93 km2 between 145 m and 175 m above sea level around its reservoir. The drawdown area was submerged for more than half year in winter and exposed in summer. In the summer of 2009, the vegetation of fourteen sites in the drawdown area was investigated to determine the impact of winter flooding on vascular flora and to explore flood-tolerant species for vegetation reconstruction. One hundred and seventy five species of 58 families were recorded in present work，which indicated that 55% of vascular flora species disappear or became rare. The number of perennial species decreased to 50%. Therophytes, with 87 taxa, were the dominant life form. Strictly aquatic species were rather scarce for summer drought. Mean vegetation cover in the drawdown area was more than 70%. Species richness and vegetation cover along the elevation gradient exhibited a negative pattern correlated with flooding duration. The remarkable reduction of plant richness, variation of life form composition and alternation of dominant species indicated the strong influence of long-term winter flooding on vascular flora. Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus rotundus was highly resistant to long-term winter flooding and summer drought. Eight hardwoods (Vitex negundo, Morus alba, Sapium sebiferum, Glochidion puberum, Rhus chinensis, Melia azedarach, Pterocarya stenoptera and Trema levigata) exhibited high tolerance to winter flooding and may be potential candidates for vegetation restoration.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.