Abstract:In order to understand the bio-ecological characters of Vigna marina and its adaptability to the tropical coral island, the anatomical structure, physiological characteristics and nutritional components of the leaves were studied. The results showed that V. marina had thick leaves, low SLA, well-developed palisade tissue, high stomatal density and high stomatal area index, which played an important role in decreasing transpiration and maintaining moisture. The SOD and POD activities in leaves were high, while the MDA content was low, showing strong antioxidant capacity. The content of nutrients in leaves of V. marina was moderate, but that in soil was low, indicating that V. marina had a good ability to absorb and utilize nutrients, which was beneficial to adapt to the barren environment. Therefore, Vigna marina can adapt well to the habitat of high temperature, drought and high salinity. It can be used in wind-break, sand-fixation and vegetation restoration in tropical coral islands.