OBJECTIVETo supply the scientific data for the choice of medicinal plants' producing area through analyzing the suitable area for Panax quinquefolium' growth.

METHODTCMGIS-I (Suitability evaluation geographic information system of traditional Chinese medicine producing area) was developed and used to analyze the suitable producing area of P. quinquefolium Wisconsin state of USA, one of the origin producing area of the geo-authentic crude drugs, was selected as the standard analytical area and some key factors related to plant growth such as average temperature, altitude, soil type, precipitation were chosen to be considered.

RESULTThe result showed that the suitable area for P. quinquefolium' growth in China is similar to the present status. It concentrates in the northeast and the north of China, and part of Shanxi province is also suitable but the field area is small.

CONCLUSIONThe development of P. quinquefolium in China should concentrate in the northeast and the north of China. The TCMGIS-I is valuable to the analysis of suitable producing area and introduction of medicinal plant.