Abstract:The concepts, classification, morphology, distribution and physiological ecology characters in recalcitrant seeds were reviewed, the reasons of desiccation sensitivity and the adaptability to ecological environment of recalcitrant seeds were analyzed, its possible evolution status and effective storage technology were discussed. The development tendency and application prospects for studying on recalcitrant seeds were proposed. It was suggested that the further researches should be focus on these issues, such as habitat investigation, establishment and update of plant database in recalcitrant seeds, and analysis of the nature of recalcitrant seed based on morphological, physiological ecology and molecular biology.