The one-dimensional (1D) frog egg-like Mn(IO3)(2)/MnO2 nanostructures with ultra-high aspect ratio are prepared by reaction of MnCl2 center dot 4H(2)O with KlO(3) using a mild hydrothermal me:hod. Tunable shapes, including several three-dimensional structures (grass-, leaf-, and rose-like), can also be obuained by altering experimental conditions. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis indicate that the products are under a mixed Mn(IO3)(2)/MnO2 phase. Tile morphology of the products can be controlled by altering the concentration, reaction time, and temperature. The growth mechanism of the nanostructures is proposed and discussed in detail. The optical properties of the 1D frog egg-like nanostructures are also examined using UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.