Medicinal plants are one of the earliest plant resources used by human beings and play an irreplaceable role in the industries of food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. According to State of the World's Plants 2017 released by Kew Gardens, at least 28,187 species around the world have been documented as having medicinal properties. Plants are a major source of medicine in many parts of the world. The latest statistical results from Chinese species show that about 13,778 species in 2,625 genera and 330 families of native plants have documented medicinal value in China. Many medicinal plants are also important ornamental and edible plants, which have wide prospects for utilization and application. The Garden has preserved more than 800 species and these are mainly displayed at the Herb Garden.