Abstract: Desertification is a serious issue and especially so in Xinjiang, where it is a significant threat to ecosystem security. As plants play an important role in the prevention and control of desertification, screening suitable species for restoration projects is an important task. Calligonum is a dominant species in the desert region of Xinjiang and its resistance to drought and salt stress has been thoroughly researched. However, there are few quantitative analyses comparing the resistance of different Calligonum species. In this study, ten Calligonum species grown in the Turpan desert botanical garden were selected and their physiological characteristics analysed. Seven physiological indexes were measured. Species’ differences were examined using variance analysis, while their resistance was evaluated using principal component analysis. The results showed that the species’ physiological indexes in the same habitat showed significant differences (P<0.01). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxide enzyme (POD) contents were the lowest for C. caput-medsae, C. arborescens and C. pumilum, all of which showed poor resistance. Proline content was the highest for C. junceum, with strong resistance. H₂O₂ content was the highest for C. pumilum, which is not conducive for normal cell metabolism. The combined resistance analysis produced the following species’ order: C. junceum>C. ebi-nurcum>C. densum>C. leucocladum>C. klementzii>C. cordatum>C. rubicundum>C. arborescens>C. caput-medsae>C. pumilum. Calligonum species have different resistance mechanisms with different protective enzyme contents. These results are confirmed by the ecological distribution of Calligonum in Xinjiang. This experiment thus provides a scientific basis for screening and introducing Calligonum species to remedy desert conditions.