Potential geographical distribution of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge based on ensemble model

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge has high medicinal value, with new pharmacological effects still being discovered. Here, our research goal was to explore the suitability of S. miltiorrhiza participation in the ecological environment and carry out suitable regions in China. Based on nine species distribution models in the Biomod2 platform, we used distribution data of S. miltiorrhiza and 28 environmental variables to predict its spatial distribution in China, calculate its suitable distribution areas, and identify factors that affect its distribution. Most regions in the central and eastern parts of China were suitable for S. miltiorrhiza, especially Hunan, Shandong, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Anhui. The total suitable area in China was 2.44×10⁷ km², with Hunan having the highest suitable area, followed by Sichuan and Hubei. Under current environmental conditions, temperature and potential evapotranspiration are the leading environmental factors affecting the distribution of S. miltiorrhiza. Among the nine models, GBM and RF showed the best performance. This study provides scientific support for choosing appropriate planting regions for S. miltiorrhiza, which should contribute to the protection of the species.