Quantitative and qualitative data are presented for 11 collections of six species. The wide range of character states for the species is presented in the form of a key to emphasize their potential systematic correlations. Distinctive among these are phcllem characteristics. Fibre‐tracheids are newly reported for lianoidGnetumspecies. Cells previously thought to be like companion cells in secondary phloem are shown to be uniseriate rays, counterparts to uniseriate xylem rays. Laticifers are abundant in most of the species, and are newly described for secondary tissues ofGnetum.Presence of tyloses in laticifers of two species is apparently a new report for vascular plants. Tori are present in two New WorldGnetumspecies, adding to the report in African species. Perforation plates are simple except near or in primary xylem, where they are simple or foraminate. Torus presence and foraminate perforation plate presence are features more reminiscent ofEphedraand other gymnosperms than of angiosperms. The bark ofGnetumis also very similar to that ofEphedr