Abstract: The leaf epidermis of 16 species and 2 variations belonging to Stellaria L. and other 4 species belonging to other 4 genera from North China were observed usder light microscopy. The results show that the stomata apparatus are found on abaxial epidermis in all species, most of species also have stomata apparatus on adaxial epidermis. The types including anisocytic, anomocytic and anomotetracytic stomata apparatus; The shape of cell is mostly irregular, with straight, arched, sinuate or sinuolate anticlinal walls; Stomata index of adaxial epidermis is 5.23-31.65, which is 10.02-29.44 on abaxial epidermis. The type of hair on leaf epidermis includes stellate, glandular pubescent, hair or lanate. The study indicates that the difference of micromorphology of leaf epidermis between species is obscure, it can provide some proves for species classification and the discussion of relationship between genera. However, it has some limitation in section classification.

Key words: Stellaria L., leaf epidermis, micromorphology, North China