Trichomes of Satureja horvatii Šilić (Lamiaceae): Micromorphology and histochemistry

Abstract

Considering the importance of Satureja horvatii Šilić as an endemic plant, and due to the essential oils produced in its glandular trichomes, we have done a comprehensive study of the micromorphology and a histochemical analysis of the plant’s glandular trichomes. This investigation was carried out using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Non-glandular unbranched and three types of glandular trichomes on the leaf surface - peltate, capitate and digitiform - were investigated. The results of histochemical tests showed a positive reaction to polysaccharides, proteins, pectins, lipids and to some secondary compounds such as terpenes, tannins and phenols in different types of glandular trichomes.

Keywords

• Satureja horvatii
• trichomes
• micromorphology
• histochemistry