Abstract: Objective：To establish an identification method for the crude herb of the root of Chinese atropanthe in Yao minority medicine. Methods：The medica literature and the appended drawings were examined. The original plants of root of Chinese atropanthe were surveyed through field investigation. Through the field investigation and consultation on the use of root of Chinese atropanthe by the physicians of Yao minority，the plant source was investigated. The original plant specimens were collected under the help of the local physicians of Yao minority and grass- root physicians， and the original plant specimens were checked. And then the authors consulted classified experts and carried out a pharmacogenomic study on the original plant morphology， medicinal characters， microscopic characteristics of tissue and powder and thin- layer chromatography. Results： The origin and field investigation showed that the plant origin of the root of Chinese atropanthe used by physicians of Yao minority and grass-root physicians was the root and stem of Zanthoxylum austrosinense Huang. Its root surface，with fine longitudinal lines，could be seen nearly round or oval lenticel- like transverse protruding；the stem surface had lenticels and bulging prickles. In the cross section of the root，there were several lines of cork cells，and calcium oxalate crystal and oil cells scattered in the cortex；lateral to phloem，several pericycle fibers gathered and lined intermittently in a ring； and there were one to four rows of cells under Xylem ray， and single or two to five tubes connected. In cross section of stem， the lateral pericyst fibers of phloem were sparse and intermittently lined into rings； the wood part was broad and pith. The root and stem powder identification showed that the phloem fibers were mostly single， with long fusiform shape and obvious pore and groove； the fibers were bundled， and surrounding cells contained calcium oxalate square crystals and form crystal fibers. Calcium oxalate cubes were scattered in large quantities， in rows or in sheets， in parenchyma cells； and marginal perforated conduits were common. The thin- layer chromatography results showed that xylene- ethyl acetate(15:1) is the best developing system. Conclusion： The established Chinese medicine identification methods， such as origin basis， character， microscopy and thin- layer chromatograph， can effectively identify the root of Chinese atropanthe，which provides a theoretical basis for the establishment of quality standards of new the root of Chinese atropanthe and the development and utilization of it.