AbstractThe systematic anatomical investigation of 16 West African species ofBrachiariawere carried out. The significance of the microscopic observation outlined in the work can be correlated with the taxonomic affinities of the genus and also employed in the identification and classification of sterile materials. The species of the genus are characterized by the embedment of outermost vascular bundles in the outer margin of sclerenchyma, the presence of parenchyma cells in the central ground tissue, the absence of papillae in the long cells of the epidermides, the presence of prickles most especially on the margins on the lamina. The anatomical characters which may help in distinguishing the various species one from another include the shape of subsidiary cells in surface view, dermal appendages, outline of leaf blade in transection and type of Kranz tissue. An artificial key to the 16 species ofBrachiariabased on the anatomical features is provided.