OBJECTIVE:To establish a cluster analysis method applied in plant classification and the identification and assessment of traditional Chinese medicine.METHODS:The raw data of the shape,the chemical composition and the UV-spectra data of plants were collected,and these data were assigned with values in accordance with the binary assignment then subjected to a cluster analysis.RESULTS:The 11 species of plants under study were accurately classified into the proper categories by the new method.CONCLUSION:By this method,the analytic data are comprehensive and the conclusion is detailed and reliable,which serves as the supplement and development for traditional cluster analysis method.