Abstract: Leaf macro- and micro-morphological characters in 31 species distributed over four genera belonging to tibe trifolieae have been studied by both light and scanning microscope. Six groups have been distinguished according to type of leaves, trichome presence and type of hairs. All the studied species are amphistomatic with either paracytic, diacytic or anomocytic stomata. Brachyparacytic has been recorded in Ononis pubescens only. The epidermal cells are isodiametric or elongated with straight, undulated or wavy anticlinal walls. The data obtained support the separation of the genera Ononis and Trifolium each in a group of its own. Trigonella species are all glabrous and become very easily recognized by their leaf characters.