ABSTRACT
To provide theoretical basis for protection and rational use of medicinal plants resources of Orchidaceae,we investigated and studied the existing species,distribution,utilization and resources of Orchidaceae medicinal plants in Jiangxi province. Orchidaceae medicinal plants in different areas of Jiangxi province were investigated in different seasons by means of field investigation,route investigation and folk interview. Orchidaceae medicinal plants collected from field investigation as well as Orchidaceae specimens stored in the herbariums of Jiangxi scientific research institutes were studied and identified. The existing species,distribution location,quantity,medicinal value and resource utilization of Orchidaceae medicinal plants in Jiangxi province were studied and analyzed. Orchidaceae medicinal plants in herbal literatures were consulted for their category,medicinal use and other information. Relevant modern research literatures on Orchidaceae medicinal plant resources were consulted. There were 93 species of Orchidaceae medicinal plants in 37 genera in Jiangxi province, and 19 of them were new species of Orchidaceae,including 6 species in Dendrobium alone. The number of medicinal genera accounted for 71.2% of Orchidaceae genera in Jiangxi province,20.1% of Orchidaceae genera in China,76.9% of Orchidaceae species in Jiangxi province and 31.2% of Orchidaceae medicinal species in China. There are abundant resources of Orchidaceae medicinal plants in Jiangxi province,and many species of Orchidaceae medicinal plants have a high medicinal value and ornamental value. However,with the overexploitation and utilization of Orchidaceae medicinal plant resources,some wild Orchidaceae medicinal plant resources are facing exhaustion,and need to urgently strengthen scientific management and protection.