Abstract: The morphological and histological characters of the roots derived from Rhaponticum uniforum (L.) DC. and seven Echinops species are described and illustrated with line drawings. These Echinops species are Echinops grijisii Hance, E. latifolius Tausch., E. przewalskii Iljin., E.gmelinii Turcz., E. ritro L., E. talassicus Golosk. and E. integrifolius Kar. et Kir.. The macroscopicaland microscopical similarities and differences among the roots of above eight species are discussed andsummarized in the tables, and a key for the identification of the crude drugs is presented.

Key words: Loulu, Rhaponticum uniflorum, Echinops grijisii, E. latifolius, Echinops spp., Morphology and Histology