Different Types of Epiphytic Plant Display Unique Drivers in Their Spatial Patterns on the Ancient Building in Hainan Island, China

Hainan Island, positioned in China's southernmost region, is a reservoir of tropical biological resources, featuring a rich tapestry of ancient architecture. These historical structures not only embody cultural heritage but also support a diverse array of epiphytic plants, distinguishing them as unique ecological niches. The exploration of the ecological dynamics facilitating these plant-structure interactions is a critical frontier in contemporary ecology. Yet, the spatial distribution and underlying drivers of epiphyte diversity on these ancient edifices in Hainan have not been comprehensively elucidated. This investigation adopts an integrative methodology, combining field surveys with an extensive review of pertinent literature to statistically assess the species richness, abundance, characteristic traits, and ecological value of epiphytes on these ancient constructions. Additionally, environmental parameters such as the dimensions and areas of the buildings were quantified, producing twelve distinct metrics. This foundational data enabled a detailed examination of the correlations between these environmental factors and the diversity and abundance of epiphytic flora. Predominant families identified include Moraceae, Urticaceae, Polypodiaceae, Nephrolepidaceae, and Adiantaceae, with significant contributions from species such as Ficus pumila, Pilea microphylla, Phymatosorus scolopendria, Nephrolepis auriculata, and Adiantum caudatum. Notably, epiphytic species richness in suburban and rural architectures surpasses that in urban settings. Diverse plant types such as herbaceous, perennial, wild, native, and edible species were predominantly observed, with edible varieties showing enhanced prevalence across various plant forms. Moreover, the study identified significant positive correlations between the geographic longitude of the structures and both species richness and plant abundance, alongside a marked negative correlation with annual average passenger traffic. These findings underscore the distinct environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing the spatial distribution patterns of epiphytic plants on ancient architecture, offering insights into their ecological interactions and conservation implications.