ISHS Acta Horticulturae 620: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Asian Plants with Unique Horticultural Potential: Genetic Resources, Cultural Practices, and Utilization
ORNAMENTAL PLANT RESOURCES FROM CHINA |
| Authors: | L. Zhao, D. Zhang |
| Keywords: | Breeding, diversity, exploration, garden, selection |
| Abstract:
China, “the mother of garden,” is the only country with unbroken connections among tropical, subtropical, temperate, and boreal forests, which nourish nearly one-eighth of the world plant species. Back to 2000 years ago, Chinese had cultivated plants around buildings as ornamentals. To better understand the potential ornamental plant resources from China, we investigated the origination and natural resources of some taxa with great ornamental values. With abundant plant resource and rich gardening tradition, China has contributed more than 50% of ornamental plants in today’s gardens around the world. Plant exploration for ornamental purpose was initiated in late 1800 in China and majority of Chinese ornamental plants was brought to the western countries during this time. In the recent years, ornamental plant exploration, natural and artificial selections, and conventional breedings have yielded many new ornamental plants in China. These new plants, together with natural ornamental plant resources, have brought China to the worldwide attention. The economic potential and environmental impact of Chinese ornamental plants has also increased the market share of these plants domestically and internationally. With advanced breeding programs and biotechnology, China will continue to play the leading role in the ornamental horticulture. Further studies should focus on the germplasm preservation, exchange, breeding, and market strategies of ornamental plants from China. | |
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