Abstract: The ecological suitability of Ardisia crispa in China was assessed using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) based on 507 distribution records and 118 ecological factors. We assessed the key ecological factors and optimal ranges of A. crispa through jackknife test, factor contribution rate, and response curve, aiming to provide scientific guidance for the ecological planting. The results showed that the ecological suitable regions of A. crispa were primarily distributed in Guizhou, Chongqing, Hunan, Guangxi, Sichuan, and Hubei provinces. The highly and moderately suitable regions were extensively concentrated in northern Guizhou-southern Chongqing-northwestern Hunan-southwestern Hubei, and northern Guangxi-southeastern Guizhou-southwestern Hunan. Among numerous ecological factors, solar radiation demonstrated the highest cumulative contribution rate (56.46%), followed by vegetation (17.03%), precipitation (13.45%), soil (8.89%), temperature (2.65%), and topography (1.51%). Thereinto, solar radiation in March and June (Srad_03, Srad_06), precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio_18), and evergreen broadleaved forest (Class_02) were the key factors influencing the suitability of A. crispa in China. Based on those findings, it is recommended to establish two key ecological planting regions for A. crispa. The first one encompassed northern Guizhou-southern Chongqing-northwestern Hunan-southwestern Hubei, and the second one comprised northern Guangxi-southeastern Guizhou-southwestern Hunan. Solar radiation should be given priority in the planting process, followed by vegetation, precipitation, soil, temperature, and topography. The range of key ecological factors Srad_03, Srad_06, Bio_18 and Class_02 should be controlled between 7841.70-11934.35 kJ·m^-2·d^-1 (optimal 11115.82 kJ·m^-2·d^-1), 14870.77-17084.56 kJ·m^-2·d^-1 (15016.41 kJ·m^-2·d^-1), 477.52-692.89 mm (602.21 mm) and 2.48%-42.08% (8.24%), respectively.

Key words: Ardisia crispa, maximum entropy model, ecological factor, ecological suitable region, ecological planting