Investigation On Wild Ephedra Resources In Gansu

Gansu Province which has outstanding geographical conditions is suitable for growth of wild ephedra,and the production of ephedra consisting of many ephedra species has a long history.Herba Ephedrae is a Chinese traditional herbal medicine.In recent years,the wild ephedra resources have been severely damaged because of unreasonable exploitation and over-use.Investigating and confirming the ephedra resources,growth distribution,living condition and compiling catalogue of ephedra in time,can provide fundamental researches and useful suggestions for the sustainable utilitation and effective protection of wild ephedra.In this study,via focus investigation combined with general survey,we have investigated and analyzed the biological characteristics,natural habitats and distribution characteristics three times during July and August.The main conclusions in this study are as follows:1.There are 7 species and 1 variety of wild ephedra widely distributed from Hexi corridor to the Loess Plateau in Gansu province.The main ephedra resources are ephedra,ephedra and ephedra,and they are primarily distributed in Hexi Corridor of Gansu and arid areas in Western China.2.Ephedra seedlings,one of the main protected species of Minqin wild ephedra protecte area,sprout in middle or last of April,but the growth rate is slow.The biomass accumulation and tiller branches of ephedra mainly occur in the next year and the third year.3.Although the habitats diversity of Gansu leads to the abundant ephedra species and production of wild ephedra,the ephedra resource has been decreasing year by year,due to the weakness of the consciousness of environmental protection,long-term excessive excavation,deterioration of grasslands,destruction of habitats.Establishment of wild ephedra protected area can effectively improve the wild ephedra habitats,and make the wild ephedra resources achieved effective protection and restoration.