兰科（Orchidaceae）是著名观赏植物类群，不同物种的花期长短存在显著差异。花寿命的长短不但影响观赏性，而且对植物的繁殖成功有重要影响。充足的水分是维持花朵的展示姿态和寿命的关键因素，然而兰科植物花的水分供应、维持机制及其对花寿命的影响尚不清楚。兜兰属（Paphiopedilum）和杓兰属（Cypripedium）植物亲缘关系相近，但是花寿命、生理特征及生活史策略等差异明显，为研究花的水分供需平衡与花寿命的关系提供良好的素材。因此，本项目以兜兰属和杓兰属植物为研究对象，以花寿命与水分平衡的关系为切入点，综合运用生理生态及形态学研究方法，重点研究：（1）花的形态结构对其水分供应与维持的影响；（2）花水分的供应与维持对花寿命的相对作用；（3）花与叶片在水分功能性状方面的协调关联，以期揭示花的水分平衡策略及其对花寿命的影响，为兰科植物资源的保护和利用提供科学依据。

The Orchidaceae family is a famous ornamental plant groups, the flowering duration is different between species. The length of floral longevity not only affect the ornamental value, but also have a major impact on the reproductive success of the plant. Adequate water is a key factor in maintaining the display posture of flowers and floral longevity. However, the water supply and maintenance of flowers and their impact on floral longevity of orchid remain unknown. Paphiopedilum and Cypripedium (Orchidaceae) exhibit significant differences in floral longevity, physiologies and life history. The affinitive species may provide an ideal system for studying the relationship between water balance of flower and floral longevity. Therefore, we will use plants from Paphiopedilum and Cypripedium as the research materials. In this project, the multidisciplinary approaches in relation to ecophysiology and morphology will be employed to investigate the following important aspects in these two genera: (1) the impact of flower morphology on water supply and maintenance; (2) The relative contributions of supply and maintenance of flower water to floral longevity; (3) Coordination association of water-related traits between flower and leaf. The water adaptation mechanisms of flower will be revealed. Our results will provide valuable knowledge for the conservation and utilization of important ornamental germplasm, Paphiopedilum and Cypripedium.