Vertical distribution of Viola species in Nanling Nature Reserve，Guangdong Province，was investigated at eight diferent altitudinal gradients from 500 m to 1 902 m in an area of 100 km2 in the centre ofthe Reserve． It was revealed that the number of Viola species was in the order of 5，8，9，1 0，9，7，3 and 1 from low altitude to high with approximately 200 meters for each gradient． More species abundance appeared at elevation of 1 000—1 200 m. Among the altitudinal gradients，the nearer the height，the greater the similarity coeficient was．The vertical distribution pattem of Viola species in the Reserve is in accordance with that of common woody plants． which might be related with moisture and heat conditions
