Objective Wild plant resources, which directly or indirectly benefit humanity, are of significant ecological and economic value. The Tarim River Basin of northwestern China is home to a rich and unique array of wild plant resources, yet research on their distribution patterns and the relationship between these resources and environmental as well as socio-economic factors remains insufficient. This study aims to reveal the distribution patterns of these resources and their driving factors within the basin.

Method Relevant data on four categories of wild plant resources in the Tarim River Basin, medicinal, fiber, fruit, and ornamental plants were compiled to create a list of wild plants in the Tarim River Basin. Based on this list, the composition and distribution patterns of plant families, genera, and species were analyzed. Regression and hierarchical partitioning analyses were performed to explore the relationship between plant distribution and climate, soil, and socio-economic factors.

Result (1) A total of 312 wild plant species were recorded, with medicinal plants comprising the majority (280 species). Additionally, there were 19 species of fruit plants, 27 species of ornamental plants, and 14 species of fiber plants. (2) The distribution of total species was concentrated in the western and northern regions of the basin, with species numbers decreasing as the average annual temperature increased. (3) Medicinal plants were concentrated in the southwest, northern, and eastern edge regions of the basin, with their numbers decreasing as the average annual temperature rose but increasing with population density. (4) Fruit plants were concentrated in the western and central regions, ornamental plants were primarily distributed in the northwest, and fiber plants were mainly found in the eastern region.

Conclusion The richness of different categories of wild plants exhibits significant regional variation. The average annual temperature and population density significantly influence the distribution of wild plant resources in the basin. These findings provide localized reference strategies for regional ecological conservation and the sustainable development of wild plant resources.