Effect of six environmental variables on five Bupleurum species distribution in Guandi, Wutai, Xiaowutai and Dongling mountains

Effects of environmental factors on the spatial distribution of five Bupleurum genera were investigated. Eighty seven samples in total in four mountains were collected; 158, 116, 130 and 128 plant species were recorded in Guandi, Wutai, Xiao Wutai and Dongling mountains, respectively. This study has been focused on five particular species (Bupleurum bicaule Helm, Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willdenow, Bupleurum sibiricum Vest, Bupleurum smithii H.Wolff and Bupleurum chinense DC) not only because of their medicinal properties, but also because of the threat they are subject to. Relations between environmental variables and their influence on these species distribution were analyzed using CANOCO software correlation statistical analysis. The distribution of these five species was found to be differently influenced by environmental variables. However altitude and vegetation type appeared to be the variables which influenced the most Bupleurum distribution in the four surveyed mountains. Preservation of these areas from human disturbance or nevertheless activity controlled by the establishment and strengthening of protected areas could be a solution for a sustainable management.   Key words: Bupleurum bicaule, Bupleurum scorzonerifolium, Bupleurum sibiricum, Bupleurum smithii, Bupleurum chinense, environmental variable, canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) multiple species response curves.