Abstract: Based on the field survey and data citation, species composition, flora, growth form, living habits and resource types of cliff plant species in Shanxi Province were analyzed. The results showed that there were 241 species of cliff plants in Shanxi Province, belonging to 53 families and 133 genera. Among them, 7 families, containing more than 10 species, included 55 genera and 105 species; Rosaceae had the most species. At the level of species, 188 species were endemic to China and characteristic of temperate distribution, belonging to 80 genera. Growth form was mainly composed of herbaceous perennials, followed by deciduous shrubs. Our investigation found that cliff plants had the characteristics of wide ecological adaptability and strong tolerance. Domestication and cultivation of cliff plants can provide valuable germplasm resources for afforestation at unsuitable sites.

Key words: phospholipid fatty acid, seasonal dynamics, soil C and N transformation, litter, Erythrophleum fordii plantation, microbial community