Abstract: In the present paper the seed morphology of 13 species of Atriplex L. from China were examined.Radicle superior and lateral were defined in this genus by our standards. The micromorphology of seed coat of the genus was reported here for the first time. The seed coat sculpture of these species can be divided into eight types:(1) Smooth (2)Rugulate (3)Ripple (4)Cerebelloid (5)Ravine (6)Bubble, (7) Reticulate (8) Striate. There is the second reticulate or striate ornamentation or not. The results show that the morphological features of seed, such as shape, colour. radicle orientation and the micromorphological features of the seed coat, can supply characteristic significance to the taxonomy of the genus.

Key words: Atriplex, Seed morphology, Seed coat micromorphology