Establishment of Integrated Quality Regions for the Rare Medicine Food Homology Plant Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk in China

This study focuses on the plant <i>Cyclocarya paliurus</i> (Batal.) Iljinsk, which is unique to China and is characterized by its dual role as both a medicine food homology plant. We developed a novel framework termed "integrated quality regions", which combines ecological suitability with the spatial distribution of bioactive compounds. Our findings indicate that the distribution of <i>C. paliurus</i> is primarily regulated by precipitation and temperature factors. Currently, the most suitable habitats are concentrated in the provinces of Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Hunan; however, under future climate scenarios, the centroid of suitable habitats is projected to shift northwestward. The accumulation of key bioactive compounds, specifically quercetin and kaempferol, is significantly correlated with the precipitation of warmest quarter and the aspect. Through spatial integration analysis, we identified the border region between Guangdong, Hunan, and Guangxi (centering on Yizhang County, Linwu County, and Renhua County) as a potential area for integrated quality regions, characterized by both ecological suitability and high medicinal value. Despite limitations in the sample size, the ecological-chemical synergistic zoning model proposed in this study provides a scientific basis for the conservation, optimal cultivation site selection, and sustainable utilization of <i>C. paliurus</i> resources.