Total genomic DNA samples of Chinese traditional medicine(CTM) Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis ("Houpo"), its counterfeits and substitutes were amplified by DNA amplification fingerprinting(DAF). Their amplified DNA banding patterns were distinguished on PAGE. The results show that DAF can be used to identify CTM "Houpo", its counterfeits and substitutes, which is also quite valuable for correctly introducing original plant.