Abstract: The relative content of the chemical constituents of T.chinensis var. mairei seeds, collected from its natural distribution in Anhui, Fujian and Sichuan Provinces, was determined and analyzed by using conventional chemical methods, aiming to reveal the differences of the chemical constituents of T.chinensis var. mairei seeds from different geographical areas and their relationship with the growing environment elements, and to provide scientific foundation for artificial planting Taxus and screening the fine seedling source. The 1000-seed weight and viability had a remarkable correlation, and the relative content of the chemical constituents significantly varied among samples from different regions. The seeds from Niejiashan in Anhui had better quality with higher 1000-seed weight, viability and reserve substance content and lower moisture of the seeds. Climatic factors had multiple effects on the relative content of the chemical constituents. The 1000-seed weight and viability of the seeds had significant correlation with annual precipitation; their correlation with soil characteristics was un-significant. The total K in soil and organic matter benefited the nutrient accumulation of the chemical constituents in the seeds while the pH, electrical conductivity and total N had no significant correlation with it.

Key words: Taxus chinensis var. mairei, seed, 1000-seed weight, viability, chemical composition, ecological factor