RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To identify morphological characteristics of Cyathula officinalis Kuan. and Cyathula capitata(Wall.) Moq.. METHODS: Based on tissue morphology features, C. officinalis Kuan. and Cyathula capitata (Wall.) Moq. were differentiated by using tissue sectioning, optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy technology. RESULTS: C. officinalis exhibited features, such as main roots, stems composed of four vascular bundles, relative rich trichomes, less green color, however, for C. capitata, hairy roots, stems composed of two vascular bundles and less trichomes were observed. Compared with low altitude condition, high-altitude condition may induce darker green color and formation of yellow spots and osmiophilic granules of leaves for C. capitata. CONCLUSION: It provides a scientific approach to differentiate these two closely related medicinal plants.