[Objective] To systematically categorize， summarize， and analyze the current understanding of synergistic interactions among rocks，soil，and plants，discuss the mechanisms of plants' adaptation to lithified soil environments，in order to provide theoretical support and scientific evidence for the growth of vegetation and ecological environment restoration in stony habitats. [Methods] From different dimensions such as the content and burial depth of internal rock fragments， external vegetation types， and rainfall and climatic conditions， a comprehensive analysis of the effects of rocky soil on plant growth was conducted to reveal the adaptive strategies of plants at the morphological，physiological，and molecular levels in the rocky habitats. [Results] The regulatory effect of stony soil on plant growth is closely related to factors such as rock shape，content，burial depth，climatic conditions，and plant types. The main limiting factors for plants in stony soil are soil moisture and nutrient scarcity. Under such circumstances，plants will better cope with environmental stress by regulating their own growth traits and physiological metabolism. [Conclusion] The following three aspects can be expanded and deepened in the future. 1） The synergistic effects of different types of microorganisms in rocky soil on plant growth and development，as well as the genetic adaptation mechanism of plants. 2）Seeking the optimal combination of rock fragment parameters suitable for plant growth in rocky soil environments. 3）Future research should focus on optimizing and screening suitable plants for specific regions，selecting plant varieties with strong stress resistance to promote stable plant colonization in the area，and gradually improving and enhancing the quality of the ecological environment.