In the present study characterization of morpho-anatomical characteristics of the leaf, stem and root of Tanacetum baltistanicum was carried out. Macroscopic characters of the T. baltistanicum revealed the presence of pilose, glabrous and green stem, green, pubescent, spirally arranged and persistent leaves, both stem and leaves possessed strong pungent aroma and bitter acrid taste. The roots were brown in colour slightly curved, aromatic and bitter in taste. Microscopic characters showed that T.S of the stem of T. baltistanicum possessed single layer of epidermal cells with distinct cortical parenchyma cells and vascular bundles. T.S of root has multi-layered hypodermis. T.S of leaf showed the presence of white hair on both sides of epidermis and mesophyll tissues were differentiated into spongy and palisade parenchyma. Foliar anatomy showed that stomata are amphistomatic and anomocytic. Powder drug analysis of stem, root and leaf of T. baltitanicum showed presence of sclerenchyma cells, epidermal cells, thick walled fibers, cork cells, trichomes and tracheids and vessels. To our knowledge, these morphological features are reported for the first time for this species and are of great taxonomic significance in identifying and authentication of plants based on morpho-antomical characters. This study will enable the research community to develop better morphological and pharmacological standards for formulation of genuine drugs.

Keywords: Anatomy, Morphology, Powder Drug, Foliar Anatomy, Pharmacognosy.