Homogenization Characteristics and Regional Effects in the Diversity Pattern of Woody Plants in 101 Cities in China

Influenced by the interplay of global climate change and urbanization, urban plants becoming increasingly homogenized in China. However, regional effects of biotic homogenization cannot be clearly explained due to the lack of continuous large-scale. Thus, we explored the characteristics and regional effects of biotic homogenization, not only contributes to the improvement of urban biodiversity, but also has important value for human well-being. Here, we analyzed the woody plants of 101 cities in 8 major urban agglomerations in China. The diversity patterns and influencing factors were explored using generalized additive, geographically weighted regression, and structural equation models. The main results were as follows. (1) The homogenization of woody plants in northern China was more serious, indicated a common problem of single application of urban greening species. (2) Geographical, climatic, and human factors all have an impact on the regional effect of biotic homogenization. (3) Affected significantly by latitude, plentiful natural species offer more options for boosting the diversity of urban greening plants. Finally, we suggested that urban biodiversity management should be considered specific regional environmental, both to meet the needs of residents. Increasing the scientific application of native species as well as providing adequate water conditions, will help alleviate the homogenization of woody plants