Abstract: The present article has comprehensively studied the phytogeography of the genus Zelkova(Ulmaceae).The genus disjunctly distributed in East-Asia and Mediterranean, and belongs to Eastern Asiatic Region, Mediterranean Region and Irano-Turanian Region. Based on the morphological evolutionary trends, evidences from cytology and palynology, and combined with fosssil distribution adn geological events, we suppose that Zelkova is the relica of Tertiary temperate flora once wide spread throughout north hemisphere. The Late Tertiary orogeny of Himalaya and the Quaternary glaciation were the main factors intensively influenced the European Zelkova, whereas in East Asia, the effects were relatively insignificant.

Key words: Ulmaceae