Morphology and glandular activity of unicellular trichomes of Epilobium hirsutum

Abstract

The unusual glandular trichomes of willow-herbs (Epilobium hirsutum L.) were investigated. They are unicellular, without a specialized basal cell at the layer of the epidermis. They have a cutinized cell wall, a prominent and heavily cutinized wall thickening at the base, and a protruding pore on the top. Among other compounds they contain several flavonoids, e.g. quercitrin and myricitrin. Flavonoids were localized inside the upper part of the trichome cell and most likely were not excreted through the trichome pore.

Keywords

• epidermis
• flavonoids
• willow-herbs