Objective: To learn the development characteristics of Bupleurum chinense DC. for the cultivation fundament.
Method: Mature and intact plant samples of different growing periods are studied by the method of plant growth analysis.
Results: The plant organs are composed of root, root crown, stalk, basal leaves, stem leaves, branches and leaves, apical and lateral inflorescences. Dry substance in the branches of the first and second level was 93.8% of that in all branches. Though the branches of third or fourth level were relatively weak, their amount was large. The root-shoot ratio with the value 0.19 was especially low. Lateral inflorescences of third or fourth level were found commonly in the population, but the first and second ones were the majors part. About 38.1% dry substance was used for the development of propagation organ. The length of main root was only 17.2 cm, its weight was nearly same as that in the lateral roots.
Conclusion: Short cultivated history of B. chinense are still maintained some significant wild characteristics, so they don't accord with the demand of the objective gathering in the root. It may be resolved with artifical regulation and breeding.