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.Method: 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 2 000 m,were investigated.Result: 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.Conclusion: 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.