Aims: We studied the life history and distribution of a Taiwania flousiana Gaussen population in Leigong Mountain, Guizhou Province, China, to explain population growth characteristics, and how biological and environmental factors affect population distribution and dynamics. Methods: T. flousiana, a rare and endangered plant, is distributed in patches on southeastern facing slopes at altitudes of 800-1300m on Leigong Mountain. We sampled trees in 30 plots (30m 伊 30m) , and in each plot, we established 9 subplots (10m 伊 10m) to measure the shrubs, grasses and regeneration of this species. We recorded the diameter at breast height ( DBH) of each tree, and then divided them into 13 size classes: S1, H 臆 2. 5m ( DBH < 5. 0cm) ; S2, H > 2. 5m ( DBH < 5. 0cm) ; S3, 5. 0cm 臆 DBH < 10. 0cm; S4, 10. 0cm 臆 DBH < 15. 0cm; S5, 15. 0cm 臆 DBH < 20. 0cm, and so on. We recorded the location of every T. flousiana individual using coordinates ( x,y) within each subplot. We determined the population size and structure, life expectancy and survivorship curve of T. flousiana to analyze population structure and dynamics.Important findings: Because T. flousiana seedlings and big trees were rare, the structure and size classes of the population indicate the T. flousiana population is in decline. This appears to be caused by the species biological characteristics and environmental factors. The survivorship curve of this T. flousiana population generally matches the 6

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