Diversity and Conservation of Pedicularis Plants in Wolong National Nature Reserve

Based on field investigation, specimen arrangement and literature review, the species, distribution, present situation and conservation and utilization of Pedicularis plants in Wolong Nature Reserve were studied. The results showed that there were 42 Pedicularis species in the reserve (including varieties and subspecies), belonging to 10 groups and 27 series, of which 30 species were endemic to China, with the endemic rate as high as 71.43%. In the reserve, Pedicularis plants were mainly distributed in areas above 2500 m altitude (up to 39 species, accounting for 92.86%), especially in alpine shrubs and meadows above 3500 m altitude (up to 27 species, accounting for 64.29%). There were eleven newly recorded species (including varieties), including Pedicularis dunniana, P. siphonantha var. delavayi, P. kansuensis, P. fargesii, P. rhodotricha, P. oederi, P. torta, P. petitmenginii, P. rudis, P. merrillian. In this region, Pedicularis plants were concentrated and contiguous, but a few species were distributed in narrow areas. Two suspected new species were founded in the investigation, and samples and molecular materials were also collected for further study. At the same time, some suggestions were put forward for the protection and utilization of Pedicularis plants in the nature reserve.