Revised classification of China's evergreen broad-leaved forests based on the ecophysiognomic-floristic vegetation classification system

Evergreen broad-leaved forest (EBLF) is one of the most typical vegetation types in China, with wide geographical distributions, complex species composition, and diverse community types. The EBLF classification is challenging and has not reached a consistent scheme. Here the recently developed “Ecophysiognomic-floristic vegetation classification system (EcoFloVCS)” was used to the EBLF classification. The high-level units of EcoFloVCS are mainly based on ecophysiognomy, with some considerations of floristic characteristics, including five units (Formation Class, Formation Subclass, Formation Group, Formation, and Division). The middle- and low-levels are mainly based on floristic characteristics, with some considerations of ecophysiognomy and geographical distributions, including four units (Community Class, Order, Alliance and Association). Following the previous EBLF classification in 2013, we had an update and revised classification system applied to China’s EBLF using the EcoFloVCS and the 4th edition of The International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. Currently, the EBLF is classified into 3 formations, 3 divisions, 9 community classes, 23 orders, and 58 alliances. For three formations, we introduced shortly their geographic distributions, the dominant species of dominant layers, diagnostic species, and the classifications of the low-level units. Furthermore, we classified the alliances into 69 associations and 339 communities using the currently available plant vegetation data. More information have been added into the EBLF website (http://EBLF.info), and we will keep updates of the EBLF classification system through this website.