Application of morphoanatomy and microscopy in authentication of three species of traditional Chinese herbs of Moghania

The three species of Moghania were studied to compare the distinguishing morphoanatomic details of root, stem, leaf and petiole, dissociation and powders. The microscopic features were systematically described and illustrated. And detailed key authentication parameters based on these anatomic characteristics were presented. A key was constructed to the three species for convenient classification. Microscopy can be unambiguously used to authenticate and distinguish three species of Moghania.