Objective: To compare the contents of inorganic elements of the above ground parts of Nardostachs jatamansi from different origins

analyze the distribution characteristics of inorganic elements

and provide experimental basis for evaluating the scientificity and rationality of the whole plant of N. jatamansi on market. Method: The contents of inorganic elements in the above ground parts of N. jatamansi from different origins were simultaneously determined by wet digestion-ICP-OES. The results were then analyzed by correlation analysis

principal component analysis

cluster analysis

partial least squares discriminant analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Result: There was a significant correlation among the elements. The multidimensional statistical analysis showed that the characteristic elements of the above ground parts of N. jatamansi were Pb

Se

As

Si

Mo

Co

Ni

Cd

Cr

Tl

Na and Sn

and this method could well cluster the samples above the ground. At the altitude of 3 400-3 500 m

the content of the most inorganic elements reached the peak value (elements beneficial for the plant growth). Conclusion: Based on the inorganic elements of the above ground parts of N. jatamansi

the altitude of 3 400-3 500 m was the optimum growth altitude

and soil as a key factor. The results provided theoretical support for rational resource distribution and whether the root and rhizome

the whole plant and the above ground parts of N. jatamansi could be replaced by each other.