Abstract: A comprehensive comparative anatomical study of 10 species in four genera of Staphyleaceae in China was conducted to clarify the taxonomy within the family.The variable foliar anatomical features that are often diagnostic at the generic or species level include the occurrence of mucila-ginous epidermal cells, cuticle ornamentation, triehome, type of mature stomatal pattern, presence or absence and type of vein sheathing, outline of midrib vascular bundle on a cross section, type of venation, andto-oth morphology and vascularization.Especially, Tapiscia is specific in almost all organs and tissues.We support that Тахтаджян(1987) erect Tapisciaceae.There are few' differences in varying population of Tapiscia native in China, so we regard that it would be a monotypic genus.

Key words: Staphyleaceae, Leaf anatomy, Tapiscia