Abstract: A comparison of morphology, karyotype and the chemical compounds among “Jinxiong”, Ligasticum chuanxiong Hort. and L. chuanxiong cv. Fuxiong shows that “Jin-xiong”, like L. chuanxiong cv. Fuxiong, is a triploid and its karyotype is similar to that of L. chuanxiong with the formula K(2n)=33=24m+6sm+3st(SAT). Thin-layer chromatography of essential oils extracted from stem tubers confirms that the three taxa are extremely alike in chemical compounds. Using the features of leaves and the forms of stem tubers, they can be easily distinguished. A new triploid cultivar of L. chuanxiong Hort. i.e.L. chuan-xiong cv. Jinxiong is described for “Jinxiong” in the present paper.

Key words: Ligusticum, L.chuanxiong Hort., L.chuanxiong cv. Fuxiong, L.chuanxiong cv.Jinxiong, karyotype, tetramethyl pyrazine, ferulic acid