Abstract: This paper deals with comparative studies of the perforation structures of vessel elements in 88 species of 38 genera of Ranunculaceae. Three types of perforation structure were recognized in these species. (1) The simple perforation plate was comparatively universal and widespread, (2) The scalariform perforation plate was demonstrated in 37 species of 26 genera of Ranunculaceae. The vessel elements of Paeonia and Asteropyrum showed only typical scalariform perforation plates, whereas in other species, the vessel elements were provided with to a lesser or greater extent, scalariform perforation plates, some of which showed fewer bars or transitional perforation plates. (3) “Gnetalean type” perforation plate was found in 12 species of 11 genera. This perforation plate might be considered as a transitional type from reticulated perforation plate to the simple perforation plate.

Key words: Ranunculaceae, Perforation plate, Simple perforation plate, Scalariform perforation plate, “Gnetalean type” perforation plate