Intra-ovarian trichomes in Jackiopsis ornata (Wallich) Ridsdale (Rubiaceae-Jackieae)

The ovary and young fruit of Jackiopsis ornata has internal, unbranched, septate hairs which are more or less evenly dispersed over the entire interior surface of the locules and present in quite large numbers. This is the first record of intra-ovarian trichomes in the Rubiaceae. The trichomes do not seem to have an obvious function in that they do not appear to serve as a specialized pollen transmitting tissue or play a role in directing pollen tube growth.