Pectin, a kind of plant polysaccharide, was introduced into collagen–hydroxyapatite composite system, and prepared collagen–hydroxyapatite/pectin (Col–HA/pectin) composite in situ. The structure of the composite was investigated by XRD, SEM, and FT-IR. The mechanical properties, water absorp- tion, enzyme degradation, and cytotoxicity of the composite were investigated as well. The results show that the inorganic substance in the composite materials is hydroxyapatite in relatively low crystallinity. A new interface appeared by the interaction among hydroxyapatite and collagen–pectin, and formed smooth fine particles. The mechanical properties, water absorption, enzyme degradation, and cytotoxicityindicate a potential use in bone replacement for the new composite.