Abstract: The authors investigated the diversity,distribution pattern and viewing importance of wild ornamental plants in west Hunan.The results showed that,in this zone,there are totally 323 species of recorded wild ornamental plants,which belong to 127 families,234 genuses,including 21 of fern,11 of gymnosperm,248 of dicotyledonous and 38 of monocotyledon.Based on the species,flora composition and characteristics,exploitation and protection status of these wild ornamental plants,the potentials of sustainable exploitation and utilization for wild ornamental plants in west Hunan were discussed.

Key words: West Hunan, wild ornamental plants, species diversity, exploitation and utilization