Photorealistic modeling of plants appearance is an important research area in computer graphics. Plant leaves receives wide attention as the most important plant organ. Recently

by the rapid development of computer hardware and graphics algorithm and deep research in physiological structure of plant leaves

appearance modeling and photorealistic rendering of plant leaves has reached many good results. Especially

the acquisition of reflectance properties of plant leaves and appearance modeling are hot research topics. Starting from the definition of a photorealistic appearance model

we review the newest research development in plant appearance model and photorealistic rendering algorithm in China and abroad

and we analyze all kinds of algorithms. In the end

we summarize some problems in this research field and proposes an outlook and trends.