Abstract: The research progress of the okra and its close relative species were reviewed, including distribution, collection, preservation and utilization. Evaluation of genetic diversity of okra germplasm resources was summed up, related to RAPD, SRAP, ISSR, SSR and etc. The basic theoretical research on okra hybridization was summarized. A series of new species widely grown in West and Central Africa and China were introduced. At the same time, it pointed out that the further research on collection, artificial domestication cultivation and purification should be strengthened in future, for the specific okra and its close relative species. In addition, it was proposed to get a group of male sterile line material by the okra polyploid and radiation mutation breeding, in order to better service for okra hybridization.