Utilizing spontaneous plants for sustainable development in residential green spaces: Insights from environmental drivers and niche analysis in Fuzhou City, China

This study, aimed at exploring low-maintenance, high-diversity, and sustainable greening strategies for residential areas, conducted a comprehensive survey and analysis of spontaneous plants in residential green spaces in Fuzhou City, documenting 361 species. Employing methods such as variance partitioning, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), and ecological niche analysis, we investigated the environmental factors influencing the distribution and composition of these plants, as well as their interrelationships. The study found that the composition of spontaneous plants in residential green spaces differs from other urban environments, with a high proportion of alien species (43.77%) due to influences such as resident activities, including a large number of ornamental and edible plants. Maintenance level, urbanization gradient, and green space ratio are common factors affecting the composition and distribution of spontaneous plants in urban environments, while unique residential socio-economic factors like building age, housing prices, and population density significantly affect the spontaneous plants in residential green spaces. The overall dominant plant community shows a significant positive association, indicating a relatively stable stage of succession. Although competition among most species is not significant and interspecific connectivity is weak, the presence of seven dominant invasive species intensifies competition. Based on these findings, the study proposes several specific sustainable management measures: adopting the concept of New Naturalistic Ecological Planting Design, selecting native spontaneous plants with strong adaptability, and constructing plant communities that are ecologically stable and have ornamental value by mimicking natural ecosystems. Additionally, specific methods for managing specific invasive species in residential green spaces using competitive replacement control methods are proposed. These measures aim to promote the health and sustainable development of urban residential green spaces.