Abstract:

Based on the joint field surveys in Dali and Lijiang counties in 1984 and 1987, respectively, the present status of destruction of natural vegetation there was summarized in connection with species extinction. Native plants of Yunnan are still less studied compared with those in Europe and North America, irrespective of intensive efforts of Chinese botanists. The urgent importance of the studies on Yunnan plants was discussed, especially in connection with the topics of so-called potential genetic resources. The promotion of studies in systematic botany is impor-tant not only as a fundamental field of biology but as providing valuable informa-tion in plant resources problems to save the future of mankind. In this connection, promotion of the research on Yunnan plants is urgently promoted for Chinese botanists as well as for international collaboration.

Key words: Yunnan, Plants, Endangered Species, Conservation