Abstract: This article is dealing with the structure and the histochemical changes in the shoot apex of Torreya grandis in the growing seasons. The results of observation are summerized as follows: The vegetative bud in mature plant can be devided into four periods: the resting period, the period of bud expansion, the period of bud scale formation and the period of development of new terminal bud. In tile whole growing cycle, the vegetative apex always maintains a certain kind of zonation: the apical initials, the subapical group, the peripheral tissue zone and the rib meristem. In various periods of development, the composition of different zones is nom all the same. Meanwhile, the distribution and fluctuation of starch in the apex change from zone to zone, and parallel to the change of structure.

Key words: Torreya grandis, Structure of shoot apex, Starch grain