ANALYSIS OF THE PRECIOUS RARE AND ENDEMIC PLANTS IN XILING GORGE REGION OF HUBEI

The Xiling Gorge Region is situated in the north of southwestern mountains of Hubei, for integrated purposes, the neighbouring eastern sector of the Wu Gorge is considered to be part of the region by the authors. It consists of watershed areas in Yichang(Ichang), Xingshan(Hsingshan), Zigui(Tzukwei)and Badong(Patung)counties.The present paper proposes thirty six endemic genera, the same number as endemic genera of national protective plants in China, fifty species of other precious rare plants in the region, and discusses thier current situation and basic characteristics.Therefore, these data will be useful for the protection and rational utilization of plant resources and, the establishment of preserve in this gorge region.