Abstract: The leaf epidermis of 108 samples belonging to Kadsura Kaempf. ex. Juss. (eleven species) and Illicium Linn. (two species) are described using light and scanning electron microscopy. Several characters, such as pattern of epidermal cells, shape of stomatal apparatus, cuticular ornamentations, shape of cuticular intrusions at the polar region of guard cell, hair on epidermis, etc., are constant in some species and variable in others, and thus of considerable taxonomic value for studying the phylogenetic relationships within Kadsura and among Kadsura, Schisandra Michaux and Illicium Linn. A new character, cuticular reticulations that has not been reported previously in the order Illiciales is revealed in the study, which is congruent with the taxonomic assignment of two distinct subgenera (Subg. Cosbaea and Subg. Kadsura) in Kadsura. These characters of leaf epidermis sustain the subdivision of Subg. Kadsura into Sect. Kadsura and Sect. Sarcocarpon, and also support the combinations of some species by R. M. K. Saunders and Q. Lin. Moreover, stomata and other epidermal characters suggest close phylogenetic affinities of Kadsura, Schisandra and Illicium, whereas Kadsura seems more complex than Schisandra and Illicium on the basis of the characters of leaf epidermis. Evidence from leaf epidermis serves as a criterion for negating the separation of Schisandraceae from Illiciales as Schisandrales.

Key words: Illicium, Kadsura, Schisandra, leaf epidermis