Abstract: Taking Rhododendron fortunei Lindley and Rhododendron simiarum Hance, two dominant species of montane elfin forest in Jinggangshan as study objects, the leaf anatomical structures were studied by paraffin-sectioning and optical microtechnique, and the adaptation relationship between its leaf anatomical structures and habitat were explored. The aim was to provide scientific theory foundation for the protection of montane elfin forest. The results showed that the upper epidermis consisted of two layers of epidermic cells, belonging to multiple epidermis. The lower epidermis consisted of one layer of epidermic cells, the peripheral wall of lower epidermis cell had formed outward a lot of convex papillate. The upper and lower epidermis were covered cuticular membrane. The stomata existed in lower epidermis. The mesophyll tissue of Rhododendron fortunei Lindley and Rhododendron simiarum Hance were differentiated into palisade tissue and spongy tissue, which indicated that the leaf belonged to typical bifacial leaf. The palisade tissue was well developed; The cells of the spongy tissue lined up loosely and had the bigger cell interval. The ratios of the palisade tissue to the spongy tissue were 0.995 and 0.637, respectively. The palisade and spongy tissue cells contained the star clustered crystal. The vascular tissue and mechanical tissue of midrib were well developed, and the middle vein vascular bundle belonged to the amphicribral bundle. These characteristics indicated that the leaves of Rhododendron fortunei Lindley and Rhododendron simiarum Hance of montane elfin forest in Jinggangshan were typical xerophil leaves. Their leaf structural characteristics were adapted to the higher elevation and the harsh environment of the top of the mountain in Jinggangshan.

Key words: Rhododendron fortunei, Rhododendron simiarum, montane elfin forest, leaf anatomical structure, dominant species, Jinggangshan