Abstract: The comparative anatomical structures of leaves of 24 monopodial bamboo species were studied.The cross and longitudinal sections of leaves collected from the different individuals of the sameapecies, from the different Parts of the same culm and from the different levels of the single leafshow:1)For most of species, the anatomic structure appears no remarkable difference for the individuals of intraspecies and for the different Parts of the same culm, but the complex vascular system in themidrib at the cross sections cutted at the different levels of the single blade vary considerably in structure. For some species of the genus Phyllostachys the anatomic structure, porticularlly the fusoidcells, may appear or disappear.2)Fusoid cells and intercellular sacces are present at same time. 3)The forms of bulliform cell groups and the cell number in the group vary somewhat inter- and intraspecies.4)The inflamings of the walls of the arm-cells could be oberved not only at cross,but alsoat longitudinal sections.5)Based on the obtained anatomic data there are no clear-cut distinctions between any of the genera that have been examined. Although the anatomic structures are of some diagnostic value interspecies,it will be impossible to assess the systematic taxonomic significance until amuch more comprehensive survey of the leaf anatomy of the bamboos,particularly the variation pattern of vascular system in the midrib,has been completed.

Key words: :Bamboo leaf, Comparative anatomy, Taxonomic assess