Abstract:Endemism describes species or taxa at higher level that are native to a particular geographical area or continent. It is one of the most important characteristics in a floristic study. The circumscription of plant genera endemic to China from the hinterland of China is rather stable. But as for the taxa distributed in Yunnan, especially those reached the national boundary, their endemism to China is questionable and need to be carefully recognized according to updated distribution data. The change of distribution for Craspedolobium schochii is a good example. It was recognized as one genus endemic to China previously. However, according to recent investigations, the distribution of this species is extended southwards to the centers of Laos and Thailand. Some genera in such cases were temporarily recognized as endemic to China because of no distribution data available from neighboring countries. The endemism of such Chinese plants is not unchangeable when new distribution data are available. Therefore, it is of great necessity to strengthen the cooperation with the neighboring countries for further investigations on the vegetation and flora in these regions.
