Biology and ecology research status of Ormosia species in China

The Ormosia genus belongs to Fabaceae and includes 130 woody plant species worldwide. Currently, 37 species are found in China, with Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Hainan the main distribution areas. This genus has poor natural regeneration ability in the field and strict habitat requirements, distributed within a narrow range. Ormosia exhibits low seed production and late reproductive age. Most Ormosia species have extremely high economic, development and utilization value. For example, its wood is a top-grade material for furniture, ornaments, and sculptures. Thus, human disturbance and illegal logging are serious issues, resulting in shrinking distribution range and decreasing wild populations due to ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation. We surveyed papers published by scholars in mainland China from 1978-2016. We searched titles, abstracts, and key words of the 37 species in China in three Chinese journal databases and Google scholar. In total, we found 153 papers on Ormosia species biology research, among which 134 papers were published in Chinese journals, with the remaining 18 published in international journals. Based on the literature review, this article summarized the research results on the ecological characteristics, tissue culture, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, endangered status, and protection strategies of the genus to further future study of Ormosia and save of these species.