Current status and challenges of Chinese plant taxonomy

Abstract

With consideration of the history of plant systematics in China, a detailed analysis of the current status of plant taxonomy in China was undertaken, with particular focus on the literature, specimen accumulation, research personnel, and compilation and quality of published floras, in combination with the Convention on Biological Diversity Protection Strategy, the China Plant Protection Strategy and Cataloging Chinese Native Species requirements. The analysis demonstrated that a large gap exists between the taxonomic knowledge of China and that of western countries. A critical factor underlying this knowledge gap is the evaluation and guidance of basic research. The lack of basic data on Chinese plant species has seriously affected the quality of work to catalog all plant species as well as establishment of both Red and Black Lists based on species classifications. Consideration of the future developments and direction of plant taxonomy in China suggests that Chinas advantages in geography and resources should be fully utilized in order to participate in international collaborations and to produce high-quality research that conforms to the countrys overall image and national strategy requirements. Additional objectives should be to provide a sound foundation for official and authoritative consultation on the conservation of national biodiversity, an inventory of species, assessment of academic research, resource protection, scientific and technological development, policy determination, and management.