OBJECTIVE:To investigate the intraspecific variance of Safflower, provide the basis for distinguishing the different cultivated population and breeding of fine cultivated population. METHODS: Based on the introduction and cultivation of four cultivated population, the pollen features were observed by scanning electron microscope,the bands of cytochrome oxidase were analysed by vertical slab electrophoresis,the contents of safflower yellow, polysaccharide and adenosine were determined by UV, HPLC.RESULTS:The pollen features of Safflower and bands of cytochrome oxidase had not only specific features, but also reflected the intraspecific variance of Safflower.The rules of the difference of the contents of different cultivated population were basically consistent with that in original localities.CONCLUSION:The bands of cytochrome oxidase in involucre of Safflower could distinguish different cultivated population at the molecular level.The contents of chemical components in Safflower were mainly related to hereditary factors,and also were affected by the ecological environment.The results here provided basic comprehension for introducing, cultivating and breeding the fine cultivated population of Safflower.