Study on the numerical taxonomy of the genus Paris L. from Guangxi Province.

[Objective] To study the 36 characters of 9 species in the genus Paris L. from Guangxi Province by using numerical taxonomy. [Method] The principal components analysis (PCA) and UPGMA clustering analysis were performed to analyze the Euclidean distance. [Result] 9 species in Paris L. from Guangxi Province were divided clearly into four character groups. Paris polyphylla Smith and its variants were suggested to be treated as a new group, except for Paris polyphylla var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara, regarded as a variant in classical taxonomy. [Conclusion] It is significant to apply numerical taxonomy to solve the classification problems in the genus Paris L. or classification problems among species in Paris L. By combining numerical taxonomy, plant morphology and palynology, this study could draw a conclusion similar to classical taxonomy.