Abstract: Leaf explants of Coptis chinensis were cultured on medium MS+2,4-D 1ppm and calli were easily induced. After the calli were transferred on to the medium MS+6-BA 0.5 ppm+ NAA 1 ppm for differentiation, a lot of somatic embryos emerged. Embryoids developed into plantlets throughout processes of globular, heart-shaped, torpedo-shaped, and cotyledon stages. Embryoids were encapsulated in 4% sodium alginate and 2% CaCl2 as artificial seed, then some somatic embryos encased in capsule converted to plantlets in the aseptic conditions. After the calli were subcultured on the medium through 3–4 passages for differentiation, the whole callus could be converted to embryogenic callus and formed numerous scattered embryogenic cell mass. The somatic embryos of C. chinensis may be produced from surface cells or any embryogenic cell mass of calli. These results could provide an excellent experimantal system for large scale to obtain single embryoids as well as making artificial seeds.

Key words: Coptis chinensis, Somatic embryogenesis, Artificial seed