In order to study the characteristics of photosynthetic physiology,providing the theoretical basis for artificial cultivation,we compared and analyzed the differences of leaf morphology,chlorophyll content and photosynthesis between Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f.) Ker-Gawl.and Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour.The results showed that:(1)The stoma diameter,stoma density and the number of chloroplasts in each mesophyll cell of L.spicata were all more than those of O.japonicus,the chlorophyll and carotenoid(Car) contents were also significantly higher.(2)The light compensation point (LCP) of O.japonicus and L.spicata were both about 11 μmol·m^-2·s^-1,but the light saturation point (LSP) of O.japonicus was below 300 μmol·m^-2·s^-1,while the LSP of L.spicata was below 600 μmol·m^-2·s^-1.The apparent quantum rate (AQY) of L.spicata was higher than that of O.japonicus.(3)The diurnal variation curves of photosynthetic rate of O.japonicus and L.spicata were both bimodal curves,presenting obvious midday-depression of photosynthesis.The photosynthesis siesta was caused mostly by non-stomatal limitation in O.japonicus,while by stomatal limitation in L.spicata.(4)O.japonicus and L.spicata both showed obvious photoinhibition,and it was more serious in O.japonicus than in L.spicata,and O.japonicus had significantly lower Car content.This study showed that O.japonicus and L.spicata both had leaf morphological microstructure of half-shade-demanding plant,but the adaptability to light circumstance and the photosynthetic capacity of L.spicata were better than that of O.japonicus.