Paper Details

PJB-2025-219

Study on the spatial distribution of heritage trees and influencing factors in Shenzhen city

Xudong Wang, Ping Chen, Jiali Mo and Jingqing Yang
Abstract

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Heritage trees (HTs) are natural and historical legacies that bear witness to the evolution of cities and transformations in human society. However, the development of urbanization and intensified human activities have significantly degraded the survival environment of these trees. Understanding the spatial distribution and ecological conditions of heritage trees is crucial for promoting the sustainable development of regional history, culture, and heritage resources. This study uses Shenzhen, a city undergoing rapid urbanization, as a study to examine the determinants underlying variations in the composition and spatial configuration of heritage trees (HTs) in the post urbanization context. The results indicate that, species of Ficus microcarpa, Cinnamomum camphora, and Dimocarpus longan dominate the heritage trees population in Shenzhen, collectively accounting for 64.57% of the total, and the majority are less than 300 years old, comprising 94.57% of the total. The highest density of heritage trees is observed in central Dapeng new district, with substantial spatial heterogeneity and a significant positive spatial autocorrelation. The spatial configuration of heritage trees is influenced by multiple factors, ranked by degree of impact as follows, population density > elevation > slope > road density > NDVI > land use > slope direction > water sources. Results revealed that human factors exert a dominant influence on the growth of heritage trees, surpassing natural factors. These findings provide a scientific basis for protecting the healthy growth of heritage trees, supporting sustainable resource management, and informing conservation strategies for ancient and valuable trees in Shenzhen

To Cite this article: Wang, X., P. Chen, J. Mo and J. Yang. 2026. Study on the spatial distribution of heritage trees and influencing factors in Shenzhen city. Pak. J. Bot., 58(6): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2026-6(14)  
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