Trichome micromorphology of the Chinese-Himalayan genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colquhounia</Emphasis> (Lamiaceae), with emphasis on taxonomic implications

Trichome micromorphology of leaves and young stems of nine taxa (including four varieties) of Colquhounia were examined using light and scanning microscopy. Two basic types of trichomes were recognized: eglandular and glandular. Eglandular trichomes are subdivided into simple and branched trichomes. Based on the number of cells and trichome configuration, simple eglandular trichomes are further divided into four forms: unicellular, two-celled, three-celled and more than three-celled trichomes. Based on branching configuration, the branched eglandular trichomes can be separated into three forms: biramous, stellate and dendroid. Glandular trichomes can be divided into two subtypes: capitate and peltate glandular trichomes. Results from this study of morphological diversity of trichomes within Colquhounia lend insight into infrageneric classification and species relationships. Based on the presence of branched trichomes in C. elegans, this species should be transferred from Colquhounia sect. Simplicipili to sect. Colquhounia. We provide a taxonomic key to species of Chinese Colquhounia based on trichome morphology and other important morphological traits.