A Study on the Spread and Impact of American Fruit Trees in the Lingnan Region of China from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China

Trade and cultural exchanges introduced American fruit trees to China’s Lingnan region following the Age of Exploration. By analyzing historical records from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China, a comprehensive outline of the cultivation history of these fruit trees in Lingnan can be constructed. Both natural and social factors are responsible for the successful introduction of these species. Lingnan’s advantageous geographical location and favorable climate provided ideal conditions for their growth, while the region’s robust trade networks, large overseas Chinese population, and long-standing tradition of fruit tree cultivation facilitated their introduction and dissemination. The introduction of American fruit trees enhanced Lingnan’s agricultural diversity, optimizing land use and increasing agricultural productivity, paving the way for the region’s fruit industry to flourish.