In order to provide a theoretical direction for cultivation of M. tenacissima in an imitating wild condition, four experimental treatment groups were designed to analyze physiological changes under different degrees of drought stress and rewatering. The results indicated that proline and soluble sugar contents quickly increased to the peak 8 days after the drought treatment and then decreased along with an increase of the drought stress. The contents of proline and soluble sugar were significantly higher than that of the control during the stress period. The MDA content was significantly lower than that of the control from the 8^th to 12^th days after treatment. SOD and POD enzymes showed a higher activity during the drought stress period compared to the control. The MDA content showed a pattern of increase-decrease-increase. All physiological stresses were relieved after rewatering. It is?deduced that M. tenacissima could tolerate drought and has a strong ability to recover from drought stress.