Journal of Hunan Ecological Science

【Objective】The purpose is to systematically analyze the characteristics of the number, distribution area, age classification, and health status of ancient and famous trees in Huaihua City, in or- der to provide reference for further protection and management of ancient and famous trees. 【Method】On a county or city level basis, field investigations were conducted on a township by village basis to establish a database of ancient and famous trees and a database of ancient tree clusters in Huaihua City. Statistical analysis was conducted on the spatial layout and other characteristics of ancient and famous trees. 【Result】Among the 39 725 ancient and famous trees surveyed in Huaihua City, the family with the most quantity was the Hamamelidaceae, and the tree species with the most quantity was Liquidambar formosa- na; The number of ancient trees in Chenxi, Yuanling, and Xinhuang counties ranked among the top in the city; The number of primary, secondary, and tertiary ancient trees showed a pyramid distribution, with normal trees accounting for the vast majority and weakened and endangered ancient trees accounting for a certain proportion. 【Conclusion】Ancient trees in Huaihua City are valuable tree species resources preserved through millennia of weathering. Their value should be deeply explored from historical, cultur- al, and landscape perspectives. Effective measures should be taken for in-situ protection to ensure that these ancient and famous trees can receive better protection and development during the modernization construction of Huaihua City, continuing to radiate vitality and dynamism.

Huaihua City; ancient and famous trees; census datas; feature analysis