Preliminary investigation on plant resources of Populus euphratica forest in lower reaches of Yarkant River

Preliminary investigation and analysis on plant species and abundance of Populus euphratica forest in lower reaches of Yarkant River were conducted. The results showed that, there are 37 plant species belonging to 27 genera of 12 families in P.euphratica forest of study area. Dicotyledons are dominant species in this area. This area has a poor plant species and low biological diversity dues to dry climate, soil salinization and poor natural condition in Yarkant River drainage basin. Floral elements in this area can bedivided to 10 regional types and 2 subtypes. The dominant flora is Mediterranean, followed by temperate component. Plants of those two floras are typical desert plants of drought area. To adapt to poor ecological environment, the majority of plants in this two floras have characteristics of drought and salt resistance.