[Investigation of Paris genus resources in Xishuangbanna].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the species, distributing and resource of Paris genus plants in Xishuangbanna area of Yunnan province.


METHODS
Two steps, talking with the folk doctors and field survey, were employed to explore the resource status of Paris plants. Twenty six villages and towns, which are at an elevation of 500 m to 2000 m, were investigated.


RESULTS
A total of 214 specimens were collected and identified according to morphological characteristics. All investigated spots had Paris genus resources distribution but there always had a small Paris population less than 20. The Paris genus is an understory plants which lives always in a specific environment beside creek in hill valley and with many commensal plants such as bamboo and broadleaf. Three species of Paris, P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, P. polyphylla var. chinensis, and P. vietnamensis were collected and identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Paris genus resources declined rapidly in recent year, particular the P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Developing the breeding and cultivation technologies and enhancing the resources protection are needed urgently.
Zhang
Lixia
L
Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Yunnan Branch, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Jinghong 666100, China.
Qi
Jianjun
J
Li
Haitao
H
Shu
Bao
B
Zhao
Tingzhou
T
Li
Xuelan
X
D002681:China; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D019668:Liliaceae / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development