Species Diversity and Distribution Characteristics of Rhododendron resources in Liziping National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province

According to the field investigation and data collection of Rhododendron plants in Liziping National Nature Reserve of Sichuan province, there were 36 Rhododendron species （including 2 subspecies and 1 variety）, which were belonging to 3 subgenera, 5 groups and 10 subgroups. The Rhododendron species was abundant, the community landscape was spectacular. The main characteristics of the Rhododendron species floristic types were the Eastern China-Himalayan distribution type and East Asia distribution type. There were 8 endemic species in Sichuan, 8 rare and endangered species of Rhododendron plants, so it is urgent to make supplementary investigation and protection for R. mianningense and R. shimianense in the reserve. Rhododendron species were mainly distributed in the middle and high altitude regions of 1800-4000m above sea level, and the number of species first increased and then decreased with the increasing of sea level. Rhododendron species in the reserve had high landscape application value, R. argyrophyllum, R. floribundum and R. orbiculare can be used as excellent parents for new variety creation. It is recommended that the research on the creation, breeding, development and utilization of new Rhododendron varieties should be strengthened on the basis of protection.