# Impact of Climate Change on the Potential Distribution of Belamcanda chinensis Under Multiple Climatic Scenarios

## TL;DR

This study predicts how climate change will expand the suitable habitats for Belamcanda chinensis, a medicinal plant, in China.

## Contribution

The study uses the MaxEnt model to project future distribution shifts of B. chinensis under climate change scenarios.

## Key findings

- B. chinensis is currently widely distributed in subtropical and temperate regions of China.
- Future climate scenarios predict an expansion of suitable habitats for B. chinensis.
- Temperature, slope, and precipitation are key factors influencing its distribution.

## Abstract

Belamcanda chinensis
(L.) Redouté, a perennial herb in the Iridaceae family, exhibits a broad spectrum of medicinal properties. Identifying the optimal habitat for
B. chinensis
is crucial for establishing a scientific basis for the conservation of its genetic and ecological resources. In our study, the MaxEnt model was utilized to predict the potential distribution of
B. chinensis
under multiple climatic scenarios, while exploring potential ecological niche shifts through the lens of ecological niche theory. The results revealed that
B. chinensis
was primarily distributed across subtropical and temperate regions of China, with a notably extensive distribution range. Projections under all future climate scenarios suggested an expansion of suitable habitats for
B. chinensis
. Temperature, slope, and precipitation were identified as the primary environmental factors influencing its distribution. Furthermore, although future projections indicated a reduction in shared resources between shoots and dry habitats, the availability of usable resources was expected to increase, thereby enhancing the plant's environmental adaptability. Our findings could provide essential insights for the conservation, sustainable use, and management of
B. chinensis
resources.

Projections under all future climate scenarios suggested an expansion of suitable habitats for
B. chinensis
. Furthermore, although future projections indicated a reduction in shared resources between shoots and dry habitats, the availability of usable resources was expected to increase, thereby enhancing the plant's environmental adaptability.