Ultrastructure of the labellar epidermis in selected Maxillaria species (Orchidaceae)

The ultrastructure of the labellar epidermis of 13 species of Maxillaria and one hybrid was examined using low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The labellum may be homogeneous and glabrous or papillose, comprising one type of cell only, or heterogeneous with papillae, uniseriate trichomes and/or glands in various combinations. The trichomes are unbranched and multicellular with pointed or truncated tips. Moreover, in some taxa, moniliform trichomes occur, and these are thought to fragment with the formation of pseudopollen. Homogeneous and heterogeneous labellar organization may represent separate evolutionary lines. Preliminary results suggest that labellar features may provide additional taxonomic characters allowing determination of intrageneric affinities.