RESUMO
AIM To determine the rutin contents in Hibiscus mutabilis Linn leaves from seventeen growing areas.METHODS Seventeen germplasms of Hibiscus mutabilis were collected from the main distribution areas and their growth characteristics including length of stipe and leaves,width of leaves,ratio of length and width of leaves were studied.The contents of rutin were determined by HPLC,and their correlations with altitude,longitude,latitude,growth characteristics and germplasms were analyzed,then cluster analysis was made.RESULTS There were significant differences of growth characteristics and rutin contents among different germplasms of H.mutabilis (P ＜ 0.01),with 1.389 6 mg/g as their mean value,those collected from Zhejiang,Yunnan,Hubei and Guangxi were relatively higher than others.Moreover,the rutin content had a positive correlation with altitude,a negative correlation with longitude,length of stipe and shape index of leaves,and no significant correlations with latitude.Meanwhile,seventeen germplasms could be divided into four groups.Those from group Ⅰ and Ⅱ had higher rutin contents.CONCLUSION This accurate,stable and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of H.mutabilis.