The mature epidermis and development of stomata in some species of Gentianaceae, viz.Canscora deccusata, C.diffusa, Hoppea dichotoma, Enicostema littorale, Nymphoides cristatumandGentiana pedicellata, are described. The stomatal development is shown to be trilabrate mesogenous inCanscora deccusata, C.diffusa, Enicostema littoraleandHoppea dichotoma, mesoperigenous inGentianaand perigenous inNymphoides.It is suggested that adoption of an aquatic habit byNymphoidesmay have resulted in suppression of divisions in its perigenous stomata.