In this paper, the leaf anatomical structure of 12 ephemeral plant species in the southern margin of Gurbantunggut Desert located in northern Xinjiang was analyzed by conventional paraffin method. The results show: (1) Mesophyll tissue of Nepe micrantha Beg. etc. 8 kinds of plantswas developed, shows heteromorphic leaf characteristics; N. micrantha Beg. etc. 7 kinds of plants having a flower ringlike vascular bundle sheath, shows the characteristics of C₄ plants. (2) All of the 12 ephemeral plant have stomatal lower chamber, and stomatal lower chamber of N. micrantha Beg. etc. 7 kinds of plants were developed; (3) Crystal were often exist in mesophyll and veins, there are differences in quantity and size in different plants. Although the xerophytes characteristics showed in leaf anatomical structure. From the perspective of the individual, these characteristics were not enough to change the mesophyte character of these plants. These characteristics are the different manner of different plants to adapt to the desert environment.