[Objective] In order to provide scientific basis for optimization of plant community in rural homegardens(HG), we took Langxi County of Anhui Province as a study case on species composition and diversity.[Methods] Cultivated plants of 369 HG were surveyed in ten villages in Langxi County of Anhui Province.[Results] There were 171 species belonging to 66 families and 139 genera in this area. Among them, Rosaceae, Cruciferae and Oleaceae contained more species than the others. Based on the abundance, frequency and importance value, Cinnamomum camphora and Osmanthus fragrans were the most important species in arbor layer and shrub layer, respectively. Generally, the level of species diversity was lower in each HG; however, the index of species diversity of No.1 village and No.7 village were better than that of the others in arbor layer and shrub layer, respectively. Species of ornamental plants and food plants accounted for 58.48% and 33.33%.[Conclusion] There were some problems in the rural HG of Langxi County, such as unhealthy structure of plant community, lower species diversity in each HG, overuse of some species, low utilization of native species etc. To improve the present vegetation of HG, it is key to develop the consciousness of farmers about optimization of ecological environment.