Abstract: The effects of different shading levels (shading levels were: control 0%, 20%, 50%,70~75%,80~85%,92.5%) on growth characteristics and biomass distribution of Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour. were investigated. The results showed that, as shading increasing, biomass increments first increased, then decreased. In 50% shading levels, Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour. gained the largest biomass increments. Shading significantly affected the biomass distribution, as shading increasing, leaf weight ratio increased, while root weight ratio and root/shoot decreased. Moreover, shading increased the water contents of Liriope spicata (Thunb.)Lour. and its spreading. Neither high irradiance nor high shading levels were of significant benefit to form inflorescences, buds and root tubers in this study. We suggested that Liriope spicata (Thunb.)Lour, as a shade tolerance plant, was able to acclimate to a large radiation scale; however, high irradiance or high shading did certain harm to its growth.

Key words: Liriope spicata(Thunb.) Lour., shading, growth characteristics