OBJECTIVE To study the characteristics, micro-traits and microscopic characteristics of Peucedani radix and seven kinds of its common varieties and summarize the key identification characteristics so as to provide a reference for the effective identification of Peucedani radix and its common varieties.

METHODS The key identification features and high-definition images of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained by using the identification methods of traits, microtraits and microscopy, combined with the techniques of depth-of-field extended imaging and image stitching, and some of the features were digitally extracted and statistically analyzed by SPSS26.0 software.

RESULTS The high-definition color image data of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained. Its specific identification features were: root head length and annular sparseness, skin pore shape and area, root texture, and fracture surface oil spot density, etc. under the property identification; the diameter and number of oil chambers, the number of catheters, the presence or absence of bast fibers and wood fibers, etc. under the microscopic identification. The results of statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in skin pore area, oil chamber diameter and density, and conduit density among different varieties of Peucedani radix (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION Micro-traits and microidentification methods can be comprehensively applied to distinguish Peucedani radix and its common varieties. In particular, the microscopic features of polarized light holographic color images in cross section have significant distinguishing significance, and some of the features are digitally extracted and statistically analyzed, which makes up for the shortcomings of subjective factors in the traditional empirical identification research, and provides a reference for the circulation, testing, clinical medication, and standard drafting of Peucedani radix.