Abstract: Flower eaten by ethnic people in Yunnan are investigated and studied through ethnobltanical approaches. The results show that there are 74 families, 178 genera, 303 species of edible flowers in Yunnan. It is the first report of all edible flower species occurring in the province. The geographic distribution and ecological environment of edible flowers are investigated based on field surveys. Every ethnic group and the Han Chinese in Yunnan like to collect and eat edible flowers. The edible parts, collecting , processing, preparation and cooking methods of edible flowers among different groups are distinct from each other. The development potential of edible flowers has been analyzed. Further studies on edible flowers are suggested and discussed. An appendix, including local name ,distrbution, edible parts, processing and cooking methods, and other information, is attached to the present paper.

Key words: Edible flower