OBJECTIVETo explore the species, distributing and resource of Paris genus plants in Xishuangbanna area of Yunnan province.

METHODTwo 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.

RESULTA 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.

CONCLUSIONParis 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.

China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Liliaceae ; classification ; growth & development