Abstract: Traditional research on root ecology of vegetation in China has mainly focused on tropical, subtropical, temperate, arid, and semi-arid non-karst areas in the west of China. To date, little research has been conducted on the root ecology of vegetation in karst areas, and current understanding is relatively fragmented. In this paper, the vegetation habitat characteristics, root system characteristics (root biomass, architecture, chemical nutrients), effects of natural and human factors on root ecological characteristics, and relationship between vegetation root and vegetation succession, carbon cycle, and global change are reviewed. We also discuss future research directions and development trends of vegetation root systems in karst areas. This study aims to provide a reference for further research on karst vegetation root ecology in China.