Background : As the characterization of medicinal plants is an important aspect of traditional Asian herbal medicine, this study examines the morphological and anatomical characteristics in four fructus form medicinally important plants belonging to the family Apiaceae.
Methods and Results : Fruit morphology of four genera was examined using microtome sections and light microscopy. The Anethi Fructus, Anethum graveolens (Siraja) has unique wing-like and membranous lateral ribs that are, approximately 500 ㎛ wide. The Coriandri Fructus, Coriandrum sativum (Hoyuja) does not have oil ducts at the dorsal region of the mericarp and differs in the development of the dorsal ribs. The ribs appear upon drying and therefore, consist of primary and secondary ribs. The Foeniculi Fructus, Foeniculum vulgare (Hoehyang) characteristically develops three dominant dorsal ribs and has a strong aromatic fragrance. Finally, the Cnidii Fructus, Torilis japonica (Sasangja) has many oil ducts at the dorsal and carpophores regions and develops many hooked trichomes one the fructus surface.
Conclusions : We conclude from this study that each plant has several prominent and distinguishing morphological and anatomical characteristics. Therefore, fruit morphology is very useful for identifying these medicinal plants. In addition, the correct use and herbal name need to be standardized for plants used traditionally in Asian medicine within Korea, China, and Japan.

서 언
 재료 및 방법
 결과 및 고찰
  1. 시라자 (Anethi Fructus, 시라 Anethum graveolens L.)의 형태 및 해부학적 특성
  2. 호유자 (Coriandri Fructus, 고수 Coriandrum sativumL.)의 형태 및 해부학적 특성
  3. 회향 (Foeniculi Fructus, 회향 Foeniculum vulgareMill.)의 형태 및 해부학적 특성
  4.사상자 [Cnidii Fructus, 사상자 Torilis japonica (Houtt.)DC.]의 형태 및 해부학적 특성 
 감사의 글
 REFERENCES

• 송일배(강원대학교 농업생명과학대학 식물자원응용과학과) | Il Bae Song
• Balkrishna Ghimire(강원대학교 한방바이오연구소)
• 유창연(강원대학교 농업생명과학대학 식물자원응용과학과) | Chang Yeon Yu
• 허 권(강원대학교 농업생명과학대학 식물자원응용과학과,) | Kweon Heo Corresponding author