The leaf blade and epidermal anatomy of Paspalum paspalodes (Michx.) Scribn. (syn. P. distichum L.) and P. vaginatum Swartz is compared and discussed. Numerous anatomical differences are evidentand the species can be separated on the basis of the distribution of sclerenchyma and the shape andthickness of the leaf margin. Another distinct diagnostic difference is the shape of the adaxial ribs and furrows and their associated papillae. P. paspalodes has two distinct types of abaxial epidermis: cuticular and papillate.