Glandular Trichomes on the Leaves and Flowers of Plectranthus ornatus: Morphology, Distribution and Histochemistry

The types of glandular trichomes and their distribution on leavesand flowers of Plectranthus ornatus were investigated at differentstages of their development. Five morphological types of glandulartrichomes are described. Peltate trichomes, confined to theleaf abaxial surface, have, in vivo, an uncommon but characteristicorange to brownish colour. Capitate trichomes, uniformly distributedon both leaf surfaces, are divided into two types accordingto their structure and secretory processes. In long-stalkedcapitate trichomes, a heterogeneous secretion (a gumresin) isstored temporarily in a large subcuticular space, being releasedby cuticle rupture, whereas, in the short-stalked capitate trichomes,the secretion, mainly polysaccharidic, is probably exuded viamicropores. On the leaves, digitiform trichomes, which do notshow a clear distinction between the apical glandular cell andthe subsidiary cells, occur with a similar distribution to thecapitate trichomes. They do not develop a subcuticular space,and secrete small amounts of essential oils in association withpolysaccharides. The reproductive organs, particularly the calyxand corolla, exhibit, in addition to the reported trichomes,unusual conoidal trichomes with long unicellular conical heads.A large apical pore, formed by tip disruption, releases thesecretion (a gumresin) stored in a rostrum-like projection.On the stamens and carpels, digitiform, capitate and conoidaltrichomes are absent, but peltate trichomes are numerous. Theyoccur between the two anther lobes, on the basal portion ofthe style, and between the four lobes of the ovary. The resultspresented are compared with those of other studies on Lamiaceaeglandular trichomes. Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Plectranthus ornatus Codd, Lamiaceae, glandular trichomes, morphology, histochemistry, essential oils and mucilage secretion.