Abstract: Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham.ex D.Don is an indigenous hardwood species in tropical and warm subtropical zones in China.It is of great ecological and economic value,and is the most popular native hardwood species in these zones with plantation area more than fifty thousand hectare up to date.Here previous studies on B.alnoides are reviewed at aspects of biological and ecological properties,cultivation techniques,collection,conservation and utilization of genetic resources,and ecological benefits of plantations of this species.The common problems in the proceeding of its plantation development are also assessed.Priority is pointed out for further researches on this species.The aim is to accelerate researches on B.alnoides for sustainable development of its plantations.