Impact of Simulated Warming on Growthand Floral Characteristics of Two Varieties of Medicinal Epimedium

ABSTRACT An open top chamber (OTC) warming system was established in natural field conditions to study the impact of simulated warming on growth and floral characteristics of E. wushanense and E. acuminatum. Results: plant height and leaf growth were affected significantly.In +2°C warming condition, increment of plant height, leaf length and width and daily mean incrementof the two varieties were significantly greater than those of the control group; however, in warming +5°C condition, the increments were significantly lower than those of the control group. Floral differentiation was presented when different treatment was adopted. Floral quantitative character of E. acuminatum increased markedly after +2°C warming, but declined markedly after +5°C warming; however, floral quantitative characters of E. wushanense declined after +2°C and +5°C warming. The results can be used as a reference for cultivation and introduction of the two varieties