Abstract: The micromorphological features of achenes surfaces of 28 species in Saussurea were studied. The result has showed that the achenes of Saussurea edsbit a complex and high micromorphological diversity. The surface features under SEM may be divided into four types:foveolate, reticulate, striate, compound. Based on the comparing of different species. the authors considered that the micromorphologic al features of achenes provide most valuable criteria for classification between sections level, but at species level their significance need more studying.

Key words: Saussurea, Achenes surface features, Classification