Collection and evaluation of Primula species of western Sichuan in China

China is known as a major distribution center for the genus Primula, with a total account of 300 species out of the 430 species reported in the world. Western Sichuan is considered as an important area of diversity of Primula, approximately accounting for 40 % of the total found in the country. This paper focused on the distribution, classification, and evaluation of the Primula species collected from western Sichuan. A total of 29 species, four subspecies, and one variety were collected, identified, and classified based on their morphological characteristics. We also discovered some plants with different flower colors within the same species, which may be representative of new forms or ecotypes. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method through 14 indicator points was first used to evaluate the collected Primula resources based on their ornamental value, utilization potential, and ecological adaptability. The results indicated that P. denticulata subsp. sinodenticulata received the highest AHP scores making it the most potential species for sustainable exploitation. In addition, P. chionantha subsp. sinopurpurea, P. szechuanica, P. orbicularis, P. sikkimensis, P. hongshanensis, P. secundiflora, P. sonchifolia, P. polyneura, P. wilsonii, P. palmata, P. poissonii and P. watsonii showed better potential for exploitation than other species. This study also gave some suggestions regarding the protection and utilization of wild Primula resources.