Structure and distribution of plant trichomes in relation to taxonomy: <i>Hibiscus</i> L

Abstract

Abstract Structure and organographic distribution of trichomes in ten species of Hibiscus have been described. The trichomes are either unicellular or multicellular. All the trichomes are differentiated into a foot and a body. Uniseriate filiform clavate and pyriform hair types possess a body which is further differentiated into a stalk and a head. A total of fifteen trichome types are recognised in the taxon and they are classified into four trichome categories. In a species, the number of trichome types ranges between seven (H. lobatus) and thirteen ( H. syriacus and H. vitifolius ). Of these, unicellular uncinate hair is exclusive to H. lobatus , thus being diagnostic in its identification. Further, flagellate trichome types are recognised for the first time in Hibiscus . Their exclusive presence at the sepal adaxial distal margins help in protecting the young flowers in bud condition.