Abstract: There are hundreds of glacial erosion lakes distributing above 4200 m in altitude and more than ten trough fault. lakes below 4000 m on the plateau of Hengduan Mountains, and unique aquatic vegetations have developed in these lakes. On the basis on several field investigation during 1976-l985, the author makes a preliminary analysis for the eco-geographical characteristics of these lakes and classifies their communities, which are far more abundant in number and far more complicated in geographical distribution patterns than that of the larger lakes distri- buting a1ong the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtse river. There are 41 types of aquatic plant communities (equilemt to formatioris), 18 of which are submerged communities.

Key words: Hengduan Mountains