Abstract:
The Junggar Basin, a representative inland sedimentary basin within the arid zone of Central Asia, supports a uniquely structured phytocommunity shaped by desert-specific selective pressures. This study applied systematic quadrat-based vegetation sampling and taxonomic identification to investigate phylogenetic relationships, biogeographic composition, and ecological adaptation mechanisms of the regional flora. A total of 100 species were recorded, encompassing 78 genera and 23 families, with Amaranthaceae and Poaceae collectively accounting for 45% of species richness. Herbaceous taxa comprised 60% of the life-form spectrum, followed by shrubs and semi-shrubs. Cosmopolitan elements dominated the biogeographic composition (86%), with additional representation from pantropical lineages (9%). Functional trait analysis indicated that drought and salinity tolerance, particularly xerophytic and halophytic adaptations, were prevalent across species. These findings elucidate mechanisms of floristic assembly and ecological filtering in extreme environments, offering a foundation for reinforcing desert ecosystem resilience and guiding the sustainable development of native plant resources.