Abstract: Erythrophleum fordii Oliv. is a rare and endangered tree species with great economic and ecological value in warm subtropical and tropical zones of China. In the present study, variation of seedling growth traits of open-pollinated progeny was investigated within and among six natural populations of this species, and the correlations among seedling growth traits, seed traits, and geographic and climate regimes of their parent populations were analyzed. Significant differences existed in seedling growth among populations as well as among individuals within populations. Variation of seedling height among populations was higher than that of stem collar diameter, so early selection should be conducted mainly on the basis of seedling height. Epicotyl length was in significant positive correlation to seed length as well as seedling height to seed volume, seedling stem collar diameter to weight per 1000 seeds. Radicle length was in significant negative correlation to longitude, as well as seedling stem collar diameter to mean annual rainfall and ratio of height and diameter to altitude. These findings will provide basic data for further studies on genetic breeding, and help facilitate natural resources management and plantation development of E.fordii Oliv..

Key words: Erythrophleum fordii Oliv., genetic variation, progeny test at seedling stage