Abstract: The wild resources of Sinocalycanthus chinensis the Class Ⅱ protected plant in China, are limited. S.chinensis in Daming Mountain was pollinated by the pollens of S.chinensis in Tashajiang, Baishui, Qingliangfeng and Shunxiwu, respectively. The hybrid progeny was named as TSJ, BS, QLF and SXW, respectively. Natural progeny in Daming Mountain was used as control (DMS). The growth and photosynthetic characteristics of hybrid progeny were compared with natural progeny. The results showed that there were significant differences in the growth and physiological properties between hybrid and natural progeny. The leaves number, total leaf area, leaf length and total biomass per plant were the highest in SXW, and there were significant differences with the other hybrid and natural progeny. The plant height and total leaf perimeter per plant were also the highest in SXW, being significantly different with natural progeny. The daily average net photosynthetic rate of SXW hybrid progeny was significantly higher than the other hybrid progeny. The light saturation point was the highest in SXW, being significantly different with natural progeny. This might be one of the reasons why the seedlings of SXW hybrid progeny grew much faster. Whether SXW hybrids have a strong adaptive ability needs further and deeper studies.

Key words: Sinocalycanthus chinensis, hybrid progeny, photosynthesis, growth, biomass