NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) is one of the most important enzymes in plants, which take part in many metabolisms. It is widely distributed in plants, and has close relation with vary stresses. The studies on NADP-ME in plants focus on the change of its gene expression and enzyme activity under stress for the being time. Meanwhile, the study of mechanism that NADP-ME plays role under stress is carrying out gradually. In this review, we survey the characteristics of the activity and genes expression of NADP-ME under drought, salt and temperature stress. We also discuss the roles played by NADP-ME when it resists to varying stresses, and the mechanisms how it performs.