Abstract:A population field survey of rare and endangered plant species was conducted in north and northeast Guangdong Province, China from 2000 to 2007. Locations and distributions of the rare, endangered and state key protected plants in the regions were studied by confirmation in the field and plot methods. In total, 48 species, belonging to 31 families and 40 genera were found in the regions including 15 counties or cities. Population characteristics, such as size, plant height and diameter breast height (DBH) structures and living habitats of 7 species with concentrated distribution patterns or identified in new distribution areas were studied in details. Population of Cycas fairylakea in new recorded area of Pingyuan County represented 10 individuals. Bretschneidera sinensis population found in Lianzhou City was represented by 160 individuals, most being seedlings. Cephalataxus oliveri population in Renhua County was represented by 300 individuals. 100 individuals of Semiliquidambar cathayensis were found in Pingyuan County. Zenia insignis which was first recorded in Qingxin County and Shixing County had a population of more than 1 000 individuals. Brainea insignis recorded in Heping County, Heyuan City, and Jiaoling County, had a total population of more than 100 individuals. Fifty-seven individuals of Tapiscia sinensis were recorded in Shixing County. Conservation strategies for these rare and endangered plant were provided based on an analysis of endangered status and other factors.
