Progress on Geographical Distribution, Driving Factors and Ecological Functions of Nepalese Alder

As the oldest species of Betulaceae, Nepalese alder (Alnus nepalensis) shows a high capacity for nitrogen fixation, rapid growth rate, and strong adaptability to stress environments, it plays an important role in maintaining structure function forest agroforestry ecosystems. We explored its geographic distribution corresponding environmental drivers through collecting specimen records published literature over world during past 40 years. The research trends, limiting factors, physiological characteristics, ecological functions were all summarized as well. In terms geographical is mainly distributed southern mountainous areas Himalayas southwest China. Since presented clear northern limit upper elevation, temperature assumed be main factor. According historical development, history could divided into three periods: initial development (before 2001), fast (2002–2015), high-quality (2016–2022), with two key points 2002 2015 relating conversion cropland project that government conducted application from theory practice, respectively. can seen functions, form symbiotic nodules Frankia, which improving soil physical chemical properties facilitating vegetation secondary succession. Overall, present review provides reference further studies on sustainable utilization under climate change, also regional ecosystem service, forestry production restoration.