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Abstract
[Objectives] The spatial distribution characteristics of organic acids in two late-blooming Rhododendron species (Rhododendron decorum and Rhododendron stamineum) in Guizhou Baili Rhododendron National Forest Park were explored, in order to provide reference for exploring the plant-soil relationship of subtropical forest. [Methods] The fresh leaf, stem, root, litter, humus and soil samples of R. decorum and R. stamineum were collected. The contents of eight low molecular weight organic acids including oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid and formic acid were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). [Results] Oxalic acid is the main organic acid in the two species of Rhododendron. Among different samples, the content of organic acids was in the following order: root > fresh leaf > humus > litter > stem > soil. [Conclusions] The content of organic acids in the root was significantly higher than that in other parts. The types of organic acids in stems were the least.