Abstract:Fern flora was surveyed by selecting 108 sample plots with 5m×5m each in Gudoushan Nature Reserve of Xinhui City, Guangdong Province. Fifty-seven fern species in 41 genera of 22 families were recorded, which made up 60% of total fern species in the Reserve. Relative abundance, relative coverage, and relative frequency of fern species were calculated for getting the importance value for each species in the community. Physiognomical life form, leaf characteristics, and seasonal aspect of the community were also investigated. It is concluded that the dominant ferns are of tropical Asia elements. Due to random distribution of the population and heterogeneous habitat, species that are rare or with high relative abundance constitute only a small proportion. Five growth forms of pteridophytes, viz, basket, dendroid, creeping, climbing, and epiphytic forms are classified.
