Nine samples(seven cultivars or forms of Phyllostachys edulis and two affined species.)were tested with RAPD in order to assess their genetic relationship.The results indicated:(1)The Phyllostachys edulis could be distinctly distinguished from two affined species in the same genus.There was a genetic variation among seven forms or cultivars of Phyllostachys edulis , Ph.edulis f. tubaeformis was farther related to the other cultivars or forms of Phyllostachys edulis. (2)RAPD markers can be a powerful tool for genetic research on the infra species of bamboo.