关键词: 骆驼蓬属, 种类, 地理分布, 生境特点

Abstract: The present paper is a result of taxonomic study of Chinese Peganum existing in northwest of China. It reports the genus' kinds, geographical distribution, characteristics of habitat and economic values, according to the investigation and collection at 14 spots of 4 provinces of northwestern China and examination to 740 specimens of Peganum. The main study results of the paper are as follows:(1) There are 3 species of Peganum in China. They distribute concentrated in the desert and semi-desert areas of northwestern China including Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Xizang and Inner Mongolia, and the vertical belt is from 700 to 3450 m above sea level. (2) Peganum is one of the superior plants in desert and semidesert areas and plays important role in the natural vegetations of desert region. All species of the genus show strong resistance to lack of water, strong solar radiation, powerful wind and drought climate. (3) There exist contention among the taxonomists about P. multisectum is an independent species or a varity of P. harmala L. Based on the systematic researches on geographical distribution,chemical element features, composition of amino acids, regeneration niche, microstructure features of the leaf epidermal and the seed coat and the mathematical analysis, the viewpoint of some botanists that P. multisectum is an independent species has been proved. (4) Peganum belongs to the Tethys element, most of species of the genus are ancient-originated, but P. multisectum is relatively young one and a developing species. (5) In 1970s Chinese botanists found a species of Peganum along the bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River. It has been thought as P. harmala. Through carefully distinguishing, we sure that it may be P. multisectum. In addition, the genus has important economic and medicinal value as forage grass, nectariferous plant and medicinal herbs, so it has high value for developing and utilization in the future.

Key words: PeganumL., Classification, Geographic distribution, The characteristics of habitat