Studies on leaf, epidermal features and anatomy were conducted in some lndian orchids belonging to the subtribe Habenariinde (Orchideae, Orchidoideae). In most of the presently studied species. thin and smooth cuticle was present on both leat Surnaces it was, however, striated and rugulose in Habenaria commelinifolia H ensifolia and Herminium lanceum. Adaxial epidermal celis were thin walled, elongated, hyaline and generally distinctly larger than abaxial cells ranging from 1.1 times in Habenaria edgeworthii to 6.38 times size in Herminium lanceum. Prominent epidermal papillae were also observed on laminar edges n some of the presently studied species (Habenaria edaeworthii and H. monorchis). Well developed outer cuticular ledges OT Stomata were Observed as xeromorphic trait, in present species. Though a typical hypodermis was absent in most of the presently
studied species, hyaline raphide idioblasts were found irreqularly scattered below epidermis on both the laminar surtaces in Habenaria edgeworthii and H. pectinata. Mesophyll comprised thin-walled parenchymatous cells, with abundant Intercellular spaces. Crystalliterous raphide idioblasts and isodiametric water storage cells were found scattered in mesophyll. In most of the presently studied species, xylem and phloem were usually well distinguishable in midrib bundles but indistinct in small laminar
bundles. Sometimes phloem was found interminaled with parenchymatous cells and more than one xylem patch was observed in Habenaria edgeworthi, H. ensifolia, and H. pectinata. Ecological significance of leaf, epidermal and anatomical characters in tnis
subtribe is also discussed, in this paper.