Population characteristics and ecological suitability of Saussureae hieracioides

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the population characteristics and the appropriate producing area of Saussureae hieracioides in China. METHODS: Chuanxibei plateau, one of the main producing areas of Saussureae hieracioides, was selected as the analytical basal place. Ecological methods were used to investigate the density and biomass of Saussureae hieracioides. Traditional Chinese Medicine Geographic Information System (TCMGIS-II) was used to analyze the appropriate producing area of Saussureae hieracioides. RESULTS: Saussureae hieracioides could form the dominant species in its distribution area. The proper region (with similarity of 90% - 100%) of Saussureae hieracioides accounted for 338 776.89 km2, including 5 provinces/municipalities and 226 counties/cities. The largest area among them was Tibet Autonomous Region with area of 148 175.55 km2, followed by Sichuan Province (110 216.46 km2), Qinghai Province (62 947.61 km2), Gansu Province (16 233.09 km2) and Yunnan Province (1 177.18 km2). CONCLUSION: TCMGIS is much valuable to the recognition of formation of producing area, the division of adaptive area, introduction and acclimatization of medicinal materials, it also provides a scientific reference for the introduction and cultivation of Saussureae hieracioides.