Abstract:Field surveys and hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate growth responses of Polygonum pubescens Blume to Mn and its ability to accumulate this metal. A maximum Mn concentration in leaf dry matter was found to be 16649mg/kg. The plant grows well on Mn mine wasteland in Guangxi with a Mn concentration as high as 250000 mg/kg. Under hydroponic conditions, the Mn concentration in the tissues of the plants increased with increasing solution concentrations. At 1 mmol/L Mn the Mn concentration in the leaves exceeded 10000mg/kg. At 20mmol/L, the plant still survived with maximum Mn concentration in the roots, stems and leaves reaching 9923, 18112 and 55750mg/kg respectively. The Mn concentrations in the stems and leaves of the plants were greater than in the roots in all the Mn treatments. Our results suggest that P. pubescens is a Mn hyperaccumulator. This species may provide a potential new resource for use in the phytoremediation of Mn-contaminated soils and as a tool for exploring the mechanisms of Mn hyperaccumulation in plants.