Abstract: Genetic diversity and population differentiation of Rhodiola angusta were studied in four populations in Changbai Mountain in Jilin province and one population in Heilongjiang province using the method of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Allozyme data for 12 loci of 10 enzymes indicated level of genetic variability with P=0.467, A=1.48 and He=0.195, higher than Rh. sachalinensis which share the same distribution. The level of genetic variability of the four populations in Changbai Mountain increasing as the altitude rising.It provided genetic basis for adapting the habitat of high altitude and low temperature, at the same time the method of sexual reproduction accompanied by asexual reproduction ensured the number of populations. There were higher differentiation(G_ST=0.134) between Pingdingshan in Heilongjiang province and the populations in Changbai Mountain, and lower between populations of Changbai Mountain (G_ST=0.091).

Key words: Rhodiola angusta, Genetic diversity, Genetic differentiation, Adaption