Abstract: Cuticles of Christensenia asculifolia,Marattia pellucida,Angiopteris caudatiformis and Archangiopteris henryi of Marattiales were examined by using light and scanning electron microscopes.The studies show common features among them such as the stomata which is found in the lower epidermis,the wavy anticlinal walls of the epidermmal cells and the cyclocytic stomatal type.The cyclocytic stomata is emphasized as a distinct characteristic in all genera of Marattiales,and considered as an important character of classification and systimatics in the order level.The characteristics of epidermis of Christensenia such as the large size of the stomata,the large and strongle curved guard cells especially the polycyclic cyclocytic stomata support the suggestion of eastablishing a family christenseniaceae instead of the genus christensenia.

Key words: Marattiales, Cuticle, Epidermis, Cyclocytic stomata