A study on vegetation community and plant species diversity of Yeli Island, Zhuhai, China

The vegetation of Yeli Island is of great importance to biological and cultural diversity and to the ecosystem services of Zhuhai. To understand the vegetation ecology, vegetation development process and vegetation structure of Yeli Island, a detailed vegetation investigation was conducted on the Yeli Island through line survey and sampling survey methods. Analysis of woody plant population structure and plant species diversity were conducted. Vegetation on this island was relatively simple since it had been once destroyed. It was mainly covered by artificial Acacia confusa. The upper layer was filled with Acacia confusa and the lower was filled with small trees, shrubs and a few herbs. The dominant population of Acacia confusa was gradually degraded, and a series of newer secondary communities had been formed in the lower layer. The index of biodiversity was low. The vegetation quality was not high. Positive measures should be taken to promote the recovery of this community.