MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
AND TRAINING

VIỆT NAM ACADEMY OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

GRADUATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
-----------------------------

NGUYEN DANH HUNG
STUDYING VASCULAR PLANT DIVERSITY AND PROPOSING
CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS IN PU HOAT NATURE RESERVE,
NGHE AN PROVINCE

Major: Botany
Code: 9.42.01.11

ABSTRACT OF A THESIS DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY

HA NOI, 2020


This Thesis was fulfilled at Graduate University of Science and Technology Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

Supervisors:

1. Dr. Do Ngoc Dai
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Hoi

Reviewer 1:
Reviewer 2:

flora. So, I chose the topic: "Studying vascular plant diversity and proposing
conservation solutions in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, Nghe An province".
2. Objective of study
Study and evaluate the diversity of vascular flora (species composition,
vegetation) in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve in order to propose solutions for
conservation and sustainable development.
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL OVERVIEW
1.1. Perspective on biodiversity
Biodiversity and conservation issues have become a worldwide strategy.
Many international organizations have established to guide, assist and organize
the assessment, conservation and development of biodiversity throughout the
1


world. They are the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the
World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF), the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI) ... Biodiversity conservation is at the heart of
conservation biology, but the term "biodiversity" has many definitions. The
definition proposed by the World Wide Fund For Nature WWF (1989) is as
follows: Biodiversity is the prosperity of life on earth, is the millions of plants,
animals and microorganisms, is the genes contained in species and extremely
complex ecosystems coexist in the environment. ” So biodiversity must be
calculated on three levels: Species diversity, ecosystem diversity and genetic
diversity.
1.2. Research on plants in the world
1.2.1. Research on flora
In European and American countries, the study of flora throughout the
territory has been completed long ago. Most of the specimens were collected

Some studies on the vegetation of foreigners such as Chevalier (1918),
Maurand (1943), Duong Ham Nghi (1956), Rollet, Ly Van Hoi and Neay Sam
Oil (1958), Loschau (1960), Schmid M. (1974), ....
In the country, there are a number of research works by the authors: Vu
Tu Lap (1976), Thai Van Trung (1978, 2000), Vu Dinh Hue (1984), Phan Ke
Loc (1985). In addition, there are a number of other studies such as Phung Ngoc
Lan (1996), Nguyen Nghia Thin (2004), ....
1.4. Research plant geographic factors
Studies on the lifeform spectra of the flora in Vietnam in general and
the flora systems of localities in particular have been applied according to the
plant life classification system of C. Raunkiær (1934). Some studies such as: T.
Pócs (1965) studied the life form spectrum of the flora of North Vietnam, Thai
Van Trung (1978) also applied other symbols for shoots and leaves according to
the season and sign conditions. of canopy shape, vines material, Le Tran Chan
(1999) ...
1.5. Studying life forms spectrum
Gagnepain was the first person to study, analyze and evaluate the plant
geographic factors of the Vietnamese flora (1926, 1944), T. Pócs (1965)
analyzed and sorted the plants in the North. Vietnam constitutes a group of
factors on the basis of the current distribution area without analyzing their
origin. Thai Van Trung (1978), Nguyen Nghia Thin (1999), ....
1.6. Studying plants in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve
Researching plants in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve before and later
establishing a management board had a number of works such as: Hoang Danh
Trung et al (2010) “Study on plant diversity in the buffer zone of Pu Hoat
Nature Reserve , Nghe An"; Do Ngoc Dai and Le Thi Huong (2012) initially
assessed the diversity of flora in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, Nghe An announced
925 species; In 2013, the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute assessed
biodiversity to establish Pu Hoat Nature Reserve to announce 776 species. In
3

values, rare plant species and conservation issues.
+ Classifying and describe the structure of vegetation types in Pu Hoat
Nature Reserve.
+ Proposing solutions to conservation of plant diversity in Pu Hoat Nature
Reserve.
2.4. Study methodology
2.4.1. Inheriting data method
4


This section has described the geographical, topographical, climatic,
social and floristic characteristics of study site, sample in Museum national and
international and previously published works.
2.4.2. Field survey methods
Field survey methods were adapted from “Plants research methods” by
Nguyen Nghia Thin (2008), Thai Van Trung (1999) and Klein R.M., Klein D.T.
(1975).
- Investigate the route: Based on a selection map of research routes. The
survey routes with different length are determined to go through all forest
states.The survey tour routes is marked on the map and marked in the field with
easily identifiable paint or nylon. Identify key survey routes to identify all
vascular plant species according to the proposed content.
Investigation in plots: Area of each standard plot is 2000m² with
dimensions of 40x50m. In each standard plot, 5 small standard plot are made in
4 corners and 1 middle plot, the area of the small standard plot is 25m² with the
size 5x5m. Then Detail descriped in each standard plot
- Sample collection At least two or three specimens per individual per
species were collected from the same study site. Size must reach 29 x 41cm and
can prune branches and leaves. All traits such as color, resin, characteristics of
flower, fruit and leaf, which may change due to subsequent procedures of

2.4.6.1. Assess the diversity of Division , class, families and genus
Taxon diversity of flora: usingthe methods of Nguyen Nghia Thin (2008)
2.4.6.2. Assess the life form method
Determining and analyzing the life forms of the species according to the
Raunkiær life-scale division (1934).
2.4.6.3. Assess the geographical element method
The establishment of the geographical element, applying the division of
Nguyen Nghia Thin (2007).
2.4.6.4.Methods of assessing the use value and threat levels
Statistical calculating of useful species from botanical monograph
documents such as: Vietnam dictionary of medicinal plants (2012),“1900 used
plant species in Vietnam” (1993),“ Checklist of Vietnam of plant species”(2003,
2005),...
2.4.7. Method of mapping vegetation and system of units Vegetation
Step 1. Preparation:
Step 2. Processing remote sensing images:
Step 3. Establishment of vegetation map:
2.4.8. Method of the proposed construction solutions to manage and
conserve plant diversity in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve
CHAPTER 3
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Species composition diversity in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve
3.1.1. Taxa diversity
3.1.1.1. Diversity of division
Identified 2,367 plant species and 3 varieties belong to 885 genera, 208
families of 6 divisions of vascular plant species (table 3.1). Which has
discovered and described 3 new species for science expected to name:Camellia
ngheanensis Do N.D., Luong V.D., Ly N.S., Le T.H. & Nguyen D.H, Camellia
puhoatensis Luong V.D., Ly N.S., Le T.H., Nguyen D.H. & Do N.D belong to
6

1
0.48
1
0.11
1
0.04
Lycopodiophyta
2
0.96
4
0.45
30
1.24
Equisetophyta
1
0.48
1
0.11
1
0.04
Polypodiophyta
27
12.98
83
9.38
233
9.61
Pinophyta
8
3.85


Figure 3.1. Taxa distribution in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve
The ratio between two classes in Magnoliophyta: The unequal distribution of
taxon level was found not only in division but also between two classes in
Magnoliophyta. The result was shown in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2. Distribution in two classes of Magnoliophyta
Family
Genus
Species
Class
Number of
Number
Number of
%
%
%
falimilies
of genera
species
Magnoliopsida
132
78.11
608
77.32
1.682
78.45
Liliopsida
37
21.89
177

(2008) which stated that the ratio between Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida in
tropical areas is always greater than 3.
3.1.1.2. Diversity of family
Among 208 families which have been identified in Pu Hoat, most of them
belongs to Magnoliophyta which includes 169 families (account for 81.25 % of
families), Polypodiophyta having 27 families (12.98%), Pinophyta consists of 8
families (3.85%). Lycopodiophyta including 2 families, Psilotophyta and
Equisetophyta having only 1 species.
Among 208 families, 49 families have only 1 species, 34 families have 2
species. Per family, 15 families have 3 species per family, 6 families have 4
species per family, 37 families have 5-9 species per family and 67 families have
more 10 species per family. When assessing the diversity of a flora, people
often analyze the 10 most diverse families of that flora. Because the percentage
(%) of the 10 most diverse families compared to the total species of the whole
system is considered the face of each flora and a reliable comparison indicator.
In Pu Hoat Nature Reserve10 families most diverse have 787 species
(32.19%). The most diverse families of the flora Pu Hoat Nature Reserve (more
9


than 100 species): Euphorbiaceae having 119 species (4.91%); following
Lauraceae including 113 species (4.66%); Rubiaceae consist 102 species
(4.21%). 7 famiies having from 50 to 78 species (2.06% - 3.22%).
Thus, the total number of species of the 10 most diverse families in Pu
Hoat Nature Reserve accounts for 32.45% in accordance with A.I. Tonmachop
(1974) considers that the 10 most diverse families of tropical flora usually
account for no more than 40-50% of the total species of flora and very few
families account for more than 10% of the species of the whole system. This
result is also consistent with some published results of flora study authors in
different regions such as Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (27.18%), Ben En Nature

species
1
Medicinal
THU
1103
2
Woody
LGO
348
3
Edible
ANĐ
263
4
Ornamental
CAN
205
5
Essential oil
CTD
197
6
Fodder
AGS
38
7
Tannin
TAN
30
8

14.35
10.85
8.45
8.12
1.57
1.24
1.20
1.61
0.87
0.54
0.49
0.29

Figure 3.6. The value of use of plant species in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve
The result of statistics is 1,513 species with use value, accounting for
62.39% of the total species. Among them, the group of plants most used is
11


medicinal plants with 1,103 species, accounting for 45.48% of the total number
of species; followed by trees for wood with 348 species, accounting for
14.35%; edible plants with 263 species, accounting for 10.85%; ornamental
plants with 205 species, accounting for 8.45%; essential oil plants with 197
species, accounting for 8.12%; The remaining user groups have from 5 to 38
species, accounting for 0.21% to 1.57% as shown in Figure 3.6.
3.1.3. Diverse life form
A plant community is characterized structurally by the life forms of the
species that make up that flora. Each species has certain morphological
characteristics distinguished from other species, which is the result of evolution,
long-term process of adaptation to external conditions. Therefore, for a flora, it

149
6.14
Total
2,.425
100
The results in Table 3.15 show that the Phanerophytes (Ph) dominated
with 1,781 species, accounting for 73.44% of the total number of species.
Mainly their families: Annonaceae, Magnoliaceae, Lauraceae, Fagaceae,
Theaceae, Rutaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Sapindaceae, Myrtaceae, Meliaceae),…;
followed Chamaephytes (Ch) with 359 species accounting for 14.80%. Families
belong to Chamaephytes: Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae,… Therophytes
(Th) having 149 species (6.14%). Cryptophytes (Cr) with 85 species (3,51%).
Hemicryptophytes is the lowest with 51 species (2.10%).
12


From the results of the study, the life form of the Pu Hoat Nature
Reserve was established:
SB = 73.44% Ph + 14.80% Ch + 2.10% Hm + 3.51% Cr + 6.14% Th.

Figure 3.7. The life form of the flora of Pu Hoat Nature Reserve
Analysis of the number of species belonging to the above
Phanerophytes (Ph), among the life forms is shown in table 3.17.
Table 3.17. Survival rate of Phanerophytes (Ph) in flora of Pu Hoat Nature
Reserve
Number Percentage
Phanerophytes
Symbol
of species
(%)

Ep

34

1.91

Phanerophytes

Hp

146

8.20

Lianes phanerophytes

Lp

383

21.50

Parasite and Hemiparasite

Pp

5

0.28


Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Verbenaceae, Ebenaceae, Moraceae,
Rutaceae. Following Mesophanerophytes (Me) accounting for 22.63%. Families
belonging to this group: Magnoliaceae, Lauraceae, Fagaceae, Fabaceae,
Rubiaceae, Myrtaceae, Sapindaceae, Theaceae, Caesalpiniaceae,… Families
belonging to Lianophanerophytes (Lp) (21.50%): Annonaceae, Connaraceae,
Vitaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Menispermaceae,… Nanophanerophytes (Na)
(14.60%). Belonging to have families: Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Verbenaceae,
Rutaceae, Rubiaceae,… Phanerophytes (Hp) mainly belongs to families in the
Division: Polypodiophyta, Lycopodiophyta and families: Poaceae, Lamiaceae,…
Magaphanerophytes accounts 4.60%. Belongs to this group are large tree species
of families: Podocarpaceae, Myrtaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae,
Magnoliaceae, Fagaceae, Meliaceae, Sapindaceae,… Epiphytes Group account
1.91%, belong to Araceae, Orchidaceae, Asclepiadaceae,… Group Hydrophytes
(Hy), Parasite and Hemiparasite (Pp) and Succulentes (Suc) accounting low
percentage corresponding: 0.45%; 0.28% and 0.06% .

Figure 3.8. Life form of Phanerophytes in Pu Hoat Nature Reserve
14


From the above data, it shows that in humid tropical area,
Phanerophytes is often dominant and characteristic of flora. This was also
confirmed through the works of Raunkiaer (1934), Richard (1969), Nguyen
Nghia Thin (2004, 2006), Le Tran Chan et al. (1999), Le Thi Huong et al.
(2015), Dau Ba Thin et al. (2016), Nguyen Thanh Nhan (2017),…
3.1.4. Diverse geographical element
The geographical element of plants show us that a species is endemic
or migratory and to know the extent of similarity or difference in the
distribution of plant species. Therefore, it is necessary to study the geographic
element of flora.

2
0.08
2.2 Asia, Africa, AmericaTropical
5
0.21
70
2.89
2.3 Tropical Asia, Australia, the
US and the Pacific Islands
3
0.12
3
Old Tropical
17
0.70
Old Tropical
3.1 Asia-Australia Tropical
120
4.95
160
6.60
3.2 Asia-Africa Tropical
23
0.95
4
Asian Tropical
436
17.98
Asian Tropical
4.1 Southeast Asia-Malêsia

Asia-North America
Temperate
The ancient world Temperate
Temperate in the
Mediterranean
East Asia
Endemic of Vietnam
Close endemic Vietnam
Crop element
Unknown element
Tổng số

122
130
134
1

5.03
5.36
5.53
0.04

0
1

0.00
0.04

6
107

- Asian Tropical element with 1,281 species (52.82%) is a dominant
element group compared to the remaining groups of the Pu Hoat Nature
Reserve.
- Old Tropical element having 160 species (6.60% ). This is the element
that the species spread from Australia to Asia and Africa.

Figure 3.9. The main geographical element of Pu Hoat
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- Temperate zone element including 115 species (4.74%), They are
distributed mainly in old temperate zone of the world with 1 species, Eurasian
temperate zone with 6 species and Northeast Asia to Japan with 107 species.
- Global element with 6 species, accounting for 0.25%. These species are
widely distributed in the world.
- Crop element with 68 species (2.80%). These species have been
acclimatized and are now widely distributed in the wild.
- Among tropical elements, the Asian tropical element is the largest with
436 species (17.98%), followed by Southeast Asia-Malezi with 241 species,
accounting for 9.94%; Southeast Asia-India with 218 species (8.99%);
Indochina Endemic factor with 134 species, accounting for 5.53%; IndochinaSouth China with 130 species, accounting for 5.36% and the lowest is Southeast
Asia-Himalaya with 112 species, accounting for 5.03%.
- Endemic and close Endemic element with 709 species, accounting for
29.24% of the total species; of which, the Endemic element with 396 species,
accounting for 16.33% of the total number of species; close endemic element
with 313 species, accounting for 12.91%.
The percentage of endemic and semi-endemic elements in Pu Hoat

and described, including 6 mainly vegetation types based on at the tropical
moist closed evergreen forests, rain forest (