International Journal of Geoheritage. 2017, 5(1): 53-68 DOI: 10.17149/ijg.j.issn.2210.3382.2017.01.006
© 2017 Darswin Publishing House
Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark
Pengtao Zhang1, Yanbo Wang2 1 Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China, 100875 2 China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute, Beijing, China, 100037
Abstract: The field investigation revealed that Yuntaishan World Geopark possessed abundant plant resources including 1173 species (including infraspecific taxa) of 136 families of vascular plants, of which 58 species of 20 families are ferns, 5 species of 3 families are gymnosperms, 874 species (including infraspecific taxa) of 96 families are dicotyledons, and 237 species (including infraspecific taxa) of 17 families are mono- cotyledons. With wide distribution, the vegetation is distinctive on vertical dimension and different between shady and sunny slopes. There are many endemic plants in Yuntai Mountain, of which 247 species are endemic in China. There are 8 species and one varietas respectively belonging to 9 families of rare and endangered plants, among which some are in National Key Protected Wild Plants List and others have not been listed in National/Provincial Key Protected Wild Plants List but are of great economic value and endangered in the wild. There are 910 kinds of plant resources in Yuntai Mountain. In the quantitative evaluation, the diversity, attraction and scientificity of the biological resources in Yuntai Mountain got full scores, respectively 8, 6 and 6. The scores of zonation and rareness are 8, up to the high grade. Plant resources are of high value of landscape and great potential of development with many plants being of scientific and educational value.
Keywords: Yuntai Mountain; World Geopark; plant resources; features; evaluation
1 Introducation Yuntai Mountain (E 113 22.70711414.097, N 3521.323–3524.966), 80 km away from Zhengzhou and covering an area of 280km2, is situated on the south of Taihang Mountain and the north of Xiuwu County which has a history of thousands of years. It is a superior tourist attraction featured by the unique landform, various wa- terscape and profound culture and history. It is known for the imposing mountains and peaks enveloped in cloud and mist. The mountain crossing about 31 km in East-west and 25 km in north-south directs administratively belongs to Xiuwu County of
Author: Pengtao Zhang, doctoral student, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China, 100875 Email: [email protected] Yanbo Wang, Junior researcher, China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute, Beijing, China, 100037 Email: [email protected] 54 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOHERITAGE
Jiaozuo in Henan Province, sitting opposite to Jincheng of Shanxi Province in the northwest, bordering on Lingchuan County of Shanxi Province in the north, adjoining Huixian of Henan Province in the northeast and adjacent to outskirts of Jiaozuo in the southwest. Its summit, Zhuyu peak, is at an altitude of 1308 meters and the mountains are at an altitude of about 700 m on average. Yuntai Mountain possesses not only ge- ological wonders of towering mountains, steep cliffs and criss-cross ravines, but also abundant hydrological resources, green and luxuriant forests and varied animals and plants plus to the culture with a long history, making it a ecological and sightseeing resort for science popularization as well as a National Park of China, the 5A National Tourist Attraction, National Geological Park, National Natural Heritage, National Nature Reserve of Macaque, National Forest Park and National Water Park. The Yun- tai Mountain has been titled World Geologic Park by UNESCO on February 13, 2004; it has also established "Sister Park" relationship with Grand Canyon National Park. There are 5 categories and 12 basic kinds of landscape resources in Yuntaishan Na- tional Forest Park showed in Table 1 according to China Forest Park Landscape Re- sources Grade Evaluation.
Table 1 Classification of main landscape resources Category Basic type Name of the tourism resources Physio- Geological Structure Yuntai Landform, World Geopark graphical resources Peak, stone, cave Zhuyu Peak, Sanxiu Stone, Yaowang Cave Hydrological Man-made Zifang Lake (close to the west of the Park) resources Ancient and Acer pictum subsp. mono, Sophora japonica Linn., Valuable Trees Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. Chinese First-class Na- Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. tional Protected Plants Biological Chinese Medical Herb- Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc., Forsythia suspensa, Crataegus resources al pinnatifida Bunge, Lespedeza bicolor Turcz., Schisandra chinensis Taihangia rupestris Yu et Li, Opisthopappus taihangensis, Exotic Plants Oresitrophe rupifraga Bunge Macaca mulatta, Sus scrofa, Sciuridae, Lepus sinensis, Sciurus vulgaris Wild Animals Linneaeus, Erinaceinae, Phasianus colchicus, Cuculus, amphibian, reptile Yaowang Cave, Yanwang Cave, Stele for Banning Gambling, Tomb Historic Sites of Ning Fengzi who is the ancestor of Chinese ceramics Cultural re- sources Special Architecture Palace of Emperor Zhenwu, Yun Tai Taoist Temple, Chong Yang Tower Cultural Landscape Temple of Ling Guan, Temple of Guan Yu Meteorologi- Typical Landscape Observing stars at night, sunrise, sunset, sea of clouds, rime cal phenomena
2 Climate and geology The area of Yuntai Mountain is the transition zone from Qinjin Plateau in the south of Taihang Mountains to the North China Plain (Wu, 1983). From north and west to south and east, the elevation of plain is gradually lower. The Yuntai Mountain has gone through the eustasy process, revealing the characteristics of paleo-environment of epicontinental sea and paleogeographic evolution of North China in the Paleozoic Era and perfectly recording the earth history and tectonic evolution. Due to the unique landscape of mountains, canyons and cliffs, the Yuntai Landform named by geological Pengtao Zhang: Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark 55 experts is distinct from the karst landform in the south of China, and it is considered as a type of northern karst. The peculiar landform consists of canyons, cliffs and ridges and their combinations under the effects of rifting. Yuntai Mountain is of continental monsoon climate in the warm temperate zone (Wu, & Wang, 1983). Its four seasons are distinctive: in spring, it's dry and windy; in summer, it's hot and rainy; in autumn, it's cool and in winter it's dry and cold. The diurnal amplitude can reach 13.5. With a varied topography, the climate varies with terrain and altitude. In the area at an altitude of 200-500m, the climate is mild. In the deep mountain, it's cool and rainy. In some parts of the mountain and river valley, the climate obviously varies with the altitude and exposure of slopes. The annual average temperature is 14.9. The annual average temperature in the southern valley area is 15.3 while that in the northern mountain area is 11.4. The annual accumulated tem- perature above 0 is 43005500. The annual sunshine duration is 2272 hours; the an- nual sunshine rate is 51%; the frost free period is less than 200 days. The annual pre- cipitation is 711794 mm, decreasing from the north to the south. The average amount of precipitation in spring is 110150 mm, accounting for 18.7% of the annual precipitation. In summer, the amount of precipitation is more and the intensity is higher, accounting for the most of the annual precipitation. With the diverse landforms and complex structures of rocks, as well as the good water and heat conditions resulting from the humid air from the eastern ocean, Yuntai Mountain is rich in plant species.
3 Categories and distribution of plant resources With the effects of the climate and soil, Yuntai Mountain is rich in plants with 1174 species of 137 families of ferns and spermatophytes. There are Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, Populus L., Quercus Linn, Paulownia and Ailanthus altissima that could be found in the warm temperate zone. Understory scrubs include Lespedeza bicolor Turcz., Crataegus cuneata Sieb. & Zucc., Cotinus coggygria Scop., Forsythia suspensa and Lonicera maackii (Rupr.)Maxim.. Gramineae plants, Viola verecunda, Potentilla chi- nensis Ser., Cruciferae, Asteraceae and Carex rigescens are herbaceous plants com- monly seen here. In addition, there are rare and endangered plants under national and provincial key protection, as well as those that have not been listed in the Nation- al/Provincial Key Protected Wild Plants List but of high economic value and have been endangered in the wild. Such as: Cercidiphyllum japonicum Sieb. Et Zucc., Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd., Taihangia rupestris Yu et Li and Pteroceltis tatarinowii Max- im. 3.1 Features of distribution of plant resources in Yauntai Mountain The Yuntai Mountain is in deciduous broad-leaved forests in the warm temperate zone (Wu, 1980; Wu, & Wang, 1983), but the distribution of plants in the vertical dimen- sion varies with the altitude distinctly with the alpine meadow at the altitude over 1300 m, the mixed conifer-broadleaf forests at the altitude of 12001300 m, the de- ciduous broad-leaved forests at the altitude of 10001200 m and scrubs at the altitude of 7001000 m. Natural secondary forests dominated by trees including Quercus acutissima, Pinus
56 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOHERITAGE and Pistacia chinensis Bunge stand on the brown soil at the altitude over 800-1000m. Intact natural secondary forests could be found in Juchi Mountai, Matoushan Forest, Doushui Village, Donglinghou Village, Henghe Village, Yingsi Village, Houhe Vil- lage. Scrubs mainly include Spiraea salicifolia L., Lespedeza bicolor Turcz., Lonicera japonica Thunb., Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Vasc. et Franco and Viburnum opulus Linn. var. calvescens; herbs mainly include Potentilla reptans L, Epimedium pubescens (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., Primula malacoides Franch., Adenophora stricta Miq., Asteraceae and Carex rigescens; vegetation coverage rate is over 85%. Shrubs and herbs grow on the cinnamon soil area at the altitude less than 8001000 m. Some Quercus acutissima, Ulmus pumila L., Aceraceae and Melia azedarach L. could be found occasionally here. Among trees, timber plants include Populus L., Robinia pseudoacacia Linn., Paulownia, Ailanthus altissima, Pistacia chinensis Bunge and Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco; commercial trees include Amygdalus persica L., Prunus L., Armeniaca vulgaris Lam., Diospyros kaki Thunb., Juglans, Crataegus pinnatifida, Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem. and Pirus, i, f.; scrubs mainly include Cas- sia mimosoides L. var. wallichiana DC., Vitex negundo L. var. heterophylla (Franch.) Rehd., Forsythia suspensa, Cotinus coggygria Scop. and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spi- nosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chow; herbs mainly include Gramineae, Viola verecunda, Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke, Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br., Potentilla chinensis Ser., Cruciferae and Asteraceae. Vegetation coverage rate is about 60%. Species of plants are diverse on the shady slope without dominant species; species of plants are less on the sunny slope with edificators. There's a clear demarcation between wild flora and planned flora with the distribu- tion of patches. The wild population is dominant in the rear mountains while the arti- ficial flora is dominant in the former mountain. 3.2 Classified statistics of plants Background survey about the flora of Yuntai Mountain for two years revealed that Yuntain Mountain is rich in endemic species of China and rare and endangered spe- cies include 1173 species (including infraspecific taxa) of 136 families of vascular plants enumerated, of which 58 species of 20 families are ferns, 5 species of 3 fami- lies are gymnosperms, 874 species (including infraspecific taxa) of 96 families are dicotyledons, and 237 species (including infraspecific taxa) of 17 families are mono- cotyledons. Study on these species of plants will provide important basic data for the development, utilization and protection of plant resources in Yuntai Mountain. 3.2.1 Endemism Compared to the global distribution, endemism is the ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, or a defined natural area or a special habitat type (Ying, 1984; Wang, 1989; Ying, Zhang, 1994; Wu, 2006). It is necessary to ensure the endemism, especially the classification of endemic genus, paleoendemic species and neoendemic species for the analysis of a flora. When study the history of a flora, paleoendemics can be used as an important indicator. The paleoendemic spe- cies (or relict endemic species), generally of monotype, subgenus or genus or even monotypic family, refers to the endemic plants that are ancient and isolated and sur- vived from the geological changes. For example, as the relict plant of the Tertiary Pengtao Zhang: Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark 57
Period, Cercidiphyllaceae only has one species Cercidiphyllum japonicum. More en- demic plants are those of taxa like subspecies, varietas and forma, which are generat- ed from the isolation due to different climate of the adjacent areas or the change of ecological conditions. The endemic plants originated in modern times are known as neoendemic plants (or secondary endemic plants). The endemic plants listed here include: 1) 4 endemic species of plants of Yuntai Mountain and Henan Province originated in Yuntai Mountain or distributed in Yuntai Mountain; 2) 5 endemic species of plants of Taihang Mountain, limited in Taihang Mountains; 3) 247 species of Chinese endemic plants distributed in Yuntai Mountain except endemic species and varietas endemic in Yuntai Mountain, Henan Province and Taihang Mountain (Table 2). In the botanical expeditions of Mt. Yuntai, seven species of vascular plants were found not recorded as occurring in Henan in Flora of Henan, Flora of Jiaozuo and other literature. They should be new records of vascular plants from Henan Province.
Table 2 Classification of endemic plants in Yuntai Mountain Category Family Species Example Adenophora cordifolia D.Y. Hong (Campanulaceae) Endemic plants of Scrophularia taihangshanensis C. S. Zhu & H. W. Yang (Scrophulariaceae) Yuntai Mountain 4 4 Thalictrum honanense W. T. Wang et S. H. Wang (Ranunculaceae ) and Henan Clematis acerifolia Maxim. var. elobata S. X. Yan Gueldenstaedtia taihangensis H. B.Tsui (Leguminosae) Endemic plants Opisthopappus taihangensis (Ling) Shih (Compositae) of Taihhang 5 5 Physaliastrum sinicum Kuang et A. M. Lu (Solanaceae) Mountains Rhamnus arguta Maxim. var. verlutina Hand.-Mazz.(Rhamnaceae) Taihangia rupestris T. T. Yü et C. L. Li (Rosaceae) Hemionitidaceae Gymnopteris bipinnata H. Christ var. auriculata (Franch.) Ching Hypodematiaceae Hypodematium gracile Ching Fern 4 4 Polypodiaceae Lepisorus marginatus Ching Selaginellaceae Selaginella sinensis (Desv.) Spring Pinaceae Gymno- 1 2 Pinus bungeana Zucc. ex Endl. sperm Pinus tabuliformis Carrière Aceraceae Acer davidii Franch. subsp.grosseri(Pax) P. C. DeJong Endemic Anacardiaceae plants of Dicoty- Cotinus coggygria Scop. var. cinerea Engl. China 50 226 ledon Pistacia chinensis Buuge Rhus potaninii Maxim. Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia mollissima Hance Araceae Pinellia pedatisecta Schott Cyperaceae Trichophorum schansiense Hand.-Mazz. Mono- 6 15 Dioscoreaceae cotyledon Dioscorea tokoro Makino Gramineae Achnatherum chinense (Hitchc.) Tzvelev Melica radula Franch. Total 61 247
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3.2.2 Rare and endangered plants There are three categories of rare and endangered plants, i.e. endangered species, vulnerable species and rare species. An endangered species of plant is a plant which is likely to become extinct in its distribution area or important zone of distribution area. The population of these plants is limited, and the individuals in each population is extremely rare with defined geo- graphical distribution, only existing in a special habitat or very limited habitat type. The destruction or degradation of these plants' special habitat type or habitat on which they survive due to excessive exploitation or other environmental disturbances (such as pests) sharply weaken the viability (such as fertility) of these plants, increase their vulnerability and make them in danger of extinction. A rare species of plant is a representative plant of monotypic genus or oligotypic genus that is not immediately endangered. Their distribution areas and the population are limited, or there is a wide range but sporadic distribution. Any factors that are un- favorable for their growth and reproduction would make them vulnerable or endan- gered, which is almost impossible to remedy. Many plants found in the mountains, valleys, islands and lakes belong to this category. Collection of plants and the survey for two years have revealed that there are 8 species and one varietas respectively belonging to 9 families of rare and endangered plants, among which some are in National Key Protected Wild Plants List and others have not been listed in National/Provincial Key Protected Wild Plants List but are of great economic value and endangered in the wild (Table 3, Figure 1).
Table 3 Rare and endangered species of plants in Yuntai Mountain No. Name Family Value Grade of protection Cercidiphyllum japonicum Cercidiphyllaceae Scientific research; 1 National Grade II Sieb. et Zucc. (unispecific) ornamental; tanning 2 Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc. Leguminosae Oil National Grade III Taxus wallichiana var. chinensis National Grade I; 3 Taxaceae Medicine (Pilger) Florin being listed in CITES 4 Taihangia rupestrisT. T. Yü et C. L. Li Rosaceae Scientific research National Grade II 5 Pteroceltis tatarinowii Maxim. Ulmaceae Timber; fiber National Grade III Euptelea pleiosperma Hook. f. 6 Trochodendraceae Scientific research National Grade II et Thomson Opisthopappus taihangensis National Grade II 7 Asteraceae Medicine (Y. Ling) C. Shih 8 Oresitrophe rupifragaBunge Saxifragaceae Ornamental National Grade II 9 Kolkwitzia amabilis Graebn Caprifoliaceae Ornamental National Grade III
3.2.3 Economic plant resources Yuntai Mountain is located in the south of Taihang Mountain which is a transitional zone and an important demarcation line between the south flora and north flora. It possesses a special geological structure and stratum lithology and various landforms, constituting the typical tectonic erosion landforms. Due to the unique natural condi- tions, Yuntai Mountain is not only rich in biological resources, but also the northern boundary of some rare plants and animals growing in northern China. Actually, Yuntai Mountain has long since known for the abundant plant resources, for example, in Pengtao Zhang: Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark 59
Figure 1 Sign for protection and science popularization of rare species of plants in Yuntai Mountain Quercus variabilis Blume(Fagaceae )in the picture
Compendium Of Materia Medica, Li Shizhen called Chrystanthemum morifolium Ramat., Dioscorea polystachya Turcz., Rehmannia glutinosa(Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Fisch. et C. A. Mey., Achyranthes bidentata Blume growing in Yuntai Mountain and Shennong Mountain Four Major Huaiqing Medicines. Now the Four Major Huaiqing Medicines have been titled Products of Designations of Origin and Geographical In- dications of the P. R. China. In the survey in the field for two years, the economic plant resources of Mount Yuntai are classified into 15 categories according to the purposes of utility and func- tion: (Table 4, Figure 2)
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Table 4 Classification of economic plant resources in Yuntai Mountain Number of Proportion Category Example species (%) Asclepiadaceae Starch plants 9 0.99 Cynanchum versicolor Bunge Apocynaceae Aromatic plants 21 2.31 Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem. Plants for ornament Bignoniaceae 56 6.15 and courtyard Catalpa fargesii Bureau Rhamnaceae Honey plants 10 1.10 Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa(Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chow Cupressaceae Timber plants 48 5.27 Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco Leguminosae Pesticide plants 19 2.09 Sophora flavescens Aiton Anacardiaceae Dye plants 6 0.66 Pistacia chinensis Bunge Liliaceae Tanning plants 25 2.75 Smilax china L. Forage and Ceratophyllaceae 67 7.36 herbage plant Ceratophyllum demersum L. Actinidiaceae Food and drink plants 102 11.21 Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) Planch. exMiq. Plants for conservation Cornaceae of water and soil and 23 2.53 Cornus walteri Wangerin improving environment Celastraceae Fiber plant 54 5.93 Celastrus angulatus Maxim. Aristolochiaceae Medicinal plant 359 39.45 Aristolochia contorta Bunge Juglandaceae Oil plants 51 5.60 Juglans mandshurica Maxim. Important crops and Ebenaceae 10 1.10 germplasm plants Diospyros lotus L. Plants as hosts of Rhus chinensis Mill.(host of Chinese gallnut aphid); Fraxinus 50 5.49 economic insects chinensis Roxb. (host of Ericerus pela Chavannes) Total 910 100
3.3 Historic ancient and valuable trees The culture of Yuntai Mountain has a long history and so do some plants. These plants have been of unique cultural values and also the important tourist resources. Here are two examples: (1) Thousand years old Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd.) On the south of Yaowang Cave, there is a thousand years old Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd.) which is luxuriant and evergreen and standing the cold and winds. The tree trunk is so thick that two people could get their arms around. The tree, which is 15.0 m high and was planted by Sun Simiao in the Yuntai Mountain when he practiced as a doctor here, is a subtropical relict species known as the "living fossil". In the Tang Dynasty, a poet Qian Qi wrote a poetry to describe this tree, that was, he came to the cave for the medicine, but he was attracted by the towering tree outside... the trunk of the tree was covered with moss, and the stream gurgled near the tree. According to experts, this tree is the only one remaining in the north of the Yellow River (Figure 3). (2) Thousand years old mono maple (Acer pictum subsp. mono) Pengtao Zhang: Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark 61
Figure 2 Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. Mt. Yuntai. Valleys, riversides, slopes. Alt. below 1000 m.
There are two luxuriant trees of mono maple (Acer pictum subsp. mono, also known as painted maple) which are green in spring and summer and red in autumn. The two trees are 30m apart with one growing up the slope and the other growing down the slope. The towering and luxuriant trees with huge crowns are like two huge bonsai. The below one is called as "King of Maple" while the above one is called as "Queen of Maple". They de- pend on each other just like two lovers whispering. It was said that these two trees were transformed from phoenixes and worshiped by devout men and women in the past, for which the Phoenix Valley was named. The two trees and the Chinese yew outside the Yaowang Cave are called as Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix. Two trees have history of over a thousand years, of which the above one is 1180 years old. The tree is 17.0 m high with 3.4 m of diameter and 17.0 m of crown diameter. They are ancient and valuable with great natural and biological value and scientific research value.
4 Evaluation of plant resources 4.1 Qualitative evaluation of plant landscape resources Plant resources with wide distribution and great tourism value are important orna- mental resources of Yuntaishan National Forest Park (Figure 4). Yuntai Mountain possesses colorful landscape resources. There are more than 10 species of color-
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Figure 3 The Chinese yew outside the Yaowang Cave leaved trees in the region, accounting for 30% of the total vegetation coverage. In spring, the pink peaches and green willows set each other off and flowers burst with joy, landscape dominated by Forsythia suspensa, Prunus persica and Pyrus spp. would last for a month; in summer, the ground is arched over with thick foliage and cicadas sing with joy in the quiet forests; in autumn, leaves turn to be red, making trees like the raging fire; in winter, snow is like the silver, making trees gleaming. With green and luxuriant trees, the forest landscape of Yuntaishan National Forest Park is remarkable. Looking around, you may see that every mountain is green and all water is clear; you may be intoxicated by the heavy fragrance of the flowers in four seasons and enchanted by the sweet chirping. The scenery of every season is distinct (Figure 5). The streams between the valleys is gurgling and the air is fresh with high Pengtao Zhang: Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark 63
Figure 4 High vegetation coverage rate of Yuntai Mountain
Figure 5 The autumn landscape of the summit of Yuntai Mountain----Zhuyu Peak humidity and high content of anion. Generally, the ecological environment is superior. The natural beauty of Yuntaishan National Forest Park as well as the various cul- ture resources and magical and wonderful legends about the ancient and valuable trees add a sense of mystery to the Forest Park. Yuntaishan National Forest Park with the abundant plant resources also provide an ideal habitat for animals. There are over 400 species of animals such as mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and nearly 400 species of insects, including Panthera pardusthe (first-class national protected animal); Canis lupus Linnaeus, Sus scrofa, Prionailurus bengalensis, Vulpes and Macaca mulatta, all of which are second-class national protected animals; Arctonyx collaris and Trogopterus xanthipes, all of which are third-class national protected animals; rare species of birds like Rhyacornis fulig- inosus, Urocissa erythroryncha, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus, Paradoxornis webbi- anus, Phoenicurus auroreus, Pica pica and Aegithalos concinnus could be seen throughout the year. 4.2 Quantitative evaluation of plant landscape resources 4.2.1 Principles and method of quantitative evaluation Based on the survey of resources, the landscape resources are classified and evaluated.
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Figure 6 Macaca mulatta in Taihang Mountain
The resources of the Forest Park are evaluated comprehensively through quantitative evaluation. The quantitative evaluation was carried out according to China Forest Park Land- scape Resources Grade Evaluation (PRC National Standard GB/T18005-1999). The resources under evaluated include physiographical resources, hydrological resources, biological resources, cultural resources and meteorological phenomena. Every cate- gory of resources is evaluated by five indicators and graded according to its im- portance. The sum of scores is the weight of one category of resources. Evaluation indicators include: (1) Zonation The degree of typicality of biological resources in horizontal and vertical dimen- sion. (2) Rareness The degree of uniqueness in categories and number of animals and plants under national protection and cultural relics. (3) Diversity The degree of variety in the categories, forms and characteristics of landscape re- sources. (4) Attraction The degree of attraction of landscape resources to tourists. (5) Scientificity The value of the landscape resources in science popularization and scientific re- search. In addition, if any factor of landscape resources is of important significance or spe- cial meaning, the extra score would be given to the landscape resources. According to China Forest Park Landscape Resources Grade Evaluation (PRC Na- tional Standard GB/T18005-1999), the quality (formula 1 and formula 2) and grade (formula 3) of landscape resources of Yuntaishan National Forest Park are evaluated as follows: The formula for quality of landscape resources of the forest park: B=∑XiFi/∑F (1) M=B+Z+T (2) In which: B is the score for basic quality of landscape resources X is a score for a kind of landscape resource Pengtao Zhang: Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark 65
F is a weighted number for a kind of landscape resource Z is the score for comprehensiveness T is the extra score for features. The formula for grade of landscape resources of the forest park: N=M+H+L (3) In which: N is the score for quality grade of the forest park M is the score for quality of landscape resources of the forest park H is the score for environment quality in the area of the forest park L is the score for conditions of tourism development of the forest park Full score for forest park landscape resources grade evaluation is 50. The landscape resources are divided into three grades according to the score of quality evaluation: The Grade I is of score of 40-50, which means these landscape resources are of scientific value, aesthetic value and historical value; it is difficult to artificially re- build and the protection should be strengthened and special measures for preservation and development should be taken The Grade II is of score of 30-39, which means these landscape resources are of value in use and tourism value; the proper measures should be taken to develop the resources based on the principles of sustainable development. The Grade III is of score of 20-29, which means these landscape resources and en- vironment should be protected and improved while developing the tourism. 4.2.2 Results of quantitative evaluation After the experts scoring, the standards of evaluation are shown in Table 5 and the comprehensive evaluation to landscape resources of the Park is shown in Table 6. It can be seen that the weight of biological resources, which reaches 40, is the highest among all kinds of resources, while that of other four types of resources is 5-20. The score of biological resources of Yuntai Mountain is 36, accounting the most in all re- sources. The diversity, attraction and scientificity of biological resources got full marks, respectively 8, 6 and 6, and scores of zonation and rareness are 8.
Table 5 Scores of biological resources Indicator Weight More imp. Imp. Less imp. Unimp. Score Zonation 10 10-8 7－6 5-3 2-1 8 Rareness 10 10-8 7－6 5-3 2-1 8 Diversity 8 8-6 5－4 3-2 1-0 8 Attraction 6 6-5 4 3-2 1-0 6 Scientificity 6 6-5 4 3-2 1-0 6 Total 40 - - - - 36
The quantitative evaluation of landscape resources of Yuntai Mountain is as fol- lows: B=∑XiFi/∑F=(400+320+1440+225+17.5)/100=24.03 M=B+Z+T=24.03+1.2+1.5=26.73 H=2+2+1.5+2+2=9.5
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Table 6 Quality evaluation of forest landscape resources Weighted number of basic Quality value Category Indicator Score Weight quality of resources of resources Typicality 5 Naturalness 5 Physiographical 20 Attraction 4 resources F1 Diversity 3 Scientificity 3 Typicality 4 Naturalness 4 Hydrological 20 Attraction 3 resources F2 Diversity 2 Scientificity 3 Zonation 8 Rareness 8 Biological 40 24.03 Diversity 8 resources F3 B Attraction 6 26.73 M Scientificity 6 Rareness 4 Typicality 4 Cultural 15 Diversity 3 resources F4 Attraction 2 Scientificity 2 Diversity 0.7 Rareness 0.7 Meteorological 5 Typicality 0.7 phenomena F5 Attraction 0.7 Utilization 0.7 Combination of Combination 1.2 1.2 resources Extra score for features 1.5 1.5 Note: B=∑XiFi/∑F m=B+Z+T
L=0+1.5+1.5+1+1+1+1+1=8 N=M+H+L=26.73+9.5+8=44.23 The comprehensive score for landscape resources grade evaluation of Yuntaishan National Forest Park is 44.23, evaluated as the Grade I.
5 Conclusions 5.1 The quality of plant tourism resources is high To summarize, the quality of Yuntaishan Forest Park is evaluated as the Grade I, which is attributed to the change of altitude and the warm and humid climate in the Pengtao Zhang: Features and evaluation of plant resources of Yuntaishan World Geopark 67 base band. There are abundant plant resources and diverse biocenoses with over 1400 species of plants and the forest coverage rate is up to 93%. The original ecological environment of Zhuyu Peak which is known as Natural Oxygen Bar is protected well; more than 400 species of animals inhabit here and it has been named as the National Nature Reserve of Macaque. These plants have considerable scientific research value, aesthetic and ornamental value, social, cultural, economic and ecological value. They are important tourist resources in the scenic area. 5.2 Rare plants are of scientific value and educational value Many plants are worth being protected by the province or the state, such as Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd., Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. and Acer pictum subsp. mono. These plants is rare and the rareness of biological resources in Yuntai Mountain is evaluated as high grade with a score of 8. Many rare species in Yuntai Mountain have irreplaceable educational and research value, constituting a gene pool of plants. In addition to tourism, the science populari- zation and education base could be established through the cooperation with scientific research institutes to serve students from primary and secondary schools and make full use of the plant resources. 5.3 Species of plants are diverse and of great potential of exploitation Yuntai Mountain is rich in plant resources, including 910 species of 15 categories of resources. However, the understanding and utilization of these resources are insuffi- cient and the potential of exploitation is great. The development and utilization of plant resources should not only adapt to the production technology, but also adapt to the social and economic development and social needs, so it is necessary to find new ways of development and utilization. The brand influence of Yuntai Mountain is being strengthened. At present, the fol- lowing measures has been taken: (1) strengthening the publicity. Based on the "mountains, streams and canyon wonders of Yuntai", the brand slogan "A Paradise for Holidays and A Resort for Health" has been proposed. Advertising in the CCTV and other media for many years has established a good brand image of Yuntai Mountain. The advertising in the Beijing International Airport, Zhengzhou High-speed Rail Sta- tion and subways in major cities has spread the image of Yuntai Mountain throughout the country; (2) well-developed transportation facilities. The Yuntaishan Train of Zhengjiao Intercity Railway connects the scenic spots with the market; this train is named after Yuntai Mountain, making this intercity railway a new advertising. (3) holding related events. Some top events like the U17 Chinese Youth Table Tennis Championships, the 9.9 Yuntaishan International Mountaineering Championships and Chinese Balloon Club League have enriched the image of brand; (4) enhancing inter- national cooperation. The establishment of Sister Park relationship with Grand Can- yon National Park, an office of Yuntai Mountain in Seoul in South Korea, promotion activities of tourism of Yuntai Mountain in the Italy Milan World Expo, International Photography Exhibition of Sino-US Sister Park and other activities greatly enhanced the popularity of Yuntai Mountain in the international market. In addition, with the development of tourism in China, the theme of tourism changes from sightseeing to leisure vacation, science popularization and education, and the market structure and tourist demands are changing. With this opportunity, the
68 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOHERITAGE various plant resources should be developed better in the Park. 5.4 Exploitation and protection of plant resources After more than 20 years of development, Yuntai Mountain has become a famous tourism area attracting visitors from home and abroad. Now Yuntai Mountain is the only one that has been listed in the world's first World Geological Parks and titled National Park of China, 5A National Tourist Attraction, National Natural Heritage, National Forest Park, National Water Park, National Nature Reserve of Macaque, Na- tional Cultural Industry Base as well as National Ecological Tourism Demonstration Area. The prosperity of tourism in Yuntai Mountain would undoubtedly lead to the rapid development of the local economy. However, with the development of economy, hu- man activities are also increasing, which will aggravate the imbalance between human and nature, the excessive development and waste of resources. The excessive exploi- tation of wild plants and the accompanying natural disasters (such as the spread of diseases and insect pests caused by climate change and mountain forest fires) would seriously affect the reproduction of wild plant resources. The development and utili- zation of plant resources should be based on sustainable development and combine with the corresponding protection measures to ensure that the abundant plant resource would benefit the mankind in a long-term. On December 1, 2013, Regulation on Yuntai Mountain Tourism Attraction in He- nan Province was officially released. As the first regulation of Henan Province on natural tourism attraction, it defines planning, construction, protection and manage- ment of Yuntai Mountain and specifies the acts that are prohibited in this tourism at- traction, which marks that the ecological protection, planning and construction and management of Yuntai Mountain have been legalized and sceneries obtained an "am- ulet". The Regulation stipulates measures to protect forests and wildlife in Yuntai Mountain and lays a sound institutional foundation for the sustainable use of plant resources.
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