ABSTRACT:

Based on ethnobotanical investigation and references review, five species of Araceae are reported as of great medicinal value in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. They are Alocasia cucullata (Lour.) G. Don, A. odora (Roxb.) C. Koch, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, C. gigantea (Blume) Hook.f. and Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwait. Their scientific name, Chinese name, local name, distribution, use in traditional medicine, a review of natural-product chemical constituents, potential ecological depositions and conservation issue are described and discussed. Conclusion has been made that these aroids have great exploitation and utilization value, but future work is still needed to make full use of these species.