Abstract: Leaf epidermis of 12 species of Salvia(Labiatae) was observed by light microscopy(LM) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The shapes of leaf epidermal cells are usually irregular or polygonal;the patterns of anticlinal walls are sinuolate or sinuous,rarely straight or arched.The stomatal apparatuses are present only on the abaxial epidermis for all samples(except for Salvia farinacea),and can be classified into two types,anomocytic type and anisocytic type,anomocytic type is very common and occurs in all the observed species;anisocytic type is only for S.bowleyana,S.plecltanthoipe and S.farinacea.Under SEM,the cuticular layer of the leaf epidermis is striated,striate to wrinkled or granular;The inner margin of outer stomatal rim of most species is undulate or nearly smooth.These microstructural characters are different among species,which shows taxonomic significance in Salvia.