[Numerical taxonomy of medicinal plants of Curcuma in China].
OBJECTIVE
To provide some new evidences for the classfication and identification of medicinal plants of Curcuma.


METHODS
A numerical taxonomy by means of cluster analysis and principal Component analysis is used. Combined with RAPD analysis, computer image analysis and chemical analysis, the taxonomical relationships of the plants of Curcuma in China were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively.


CONCLUSIONS
The plants of Curcuma is systematized into 9 species, 1 species complex, 3 cultivated varieties. A lot of taxonomic confusion and disputations were consequently expounded.
Xiao
Xiao-he
XH
Department of Pharmacy, 302 Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100039, China.
Zhong
Guo-yue
GY
Shu
Guang-ming
GM
Li
Long-yun
LY
Fang
Qing-mao
QM
Chen
Shan-yong
SY
Shu
Zhong-wu
ZW
D016000:Cluster Analysis; D030024:Curcuma / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification*; D010802:Phylogeny; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification*; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique