Abstract: The genus Calligonum L. includes a total number of 35 species in the world, of which 24 are in China. They are grouped into four sections, of which Sect. Calliphysae (Fisch. et Mey.) Borszcz. is the most primitive and Sect. Medusae Sosk. et Alexender. is the most progressive. The Calligonum L. is an ancient genus in the arid desert flora, and central Asia is the place of its origin. Some species migrated to the Middle Asia and Iran, developing into a second center there. Also, some newly occurred species of the Middle Asia emigrated eastwards to central Asia, so the genus Calligonum L. in China comprises components of both central Asia and the Middle Asia. The genus Calligonum L. is distributed in North Africa, south Europa and Asia, and China is the eastmost part of the distribution range. They grow in Nei Monggol, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang. There are 12 species in the Zhuengar Basin, covering 50 percent of the total number of species in China, amd thus the genus is the most abundant there.

Key words: Calligonum, Evolution, Distribution, Origin and Migration