Title: Foliar trichomes of selected Melastoma L. taxa of Peninsular Malaysia
Abstract: Leaf indumentum consists of trichomes, which is an explicit variety of characters
that have been practically used in the plant identification. Melastoma is one of the genera
with diverse indumentum among the Melastomataceae and has gained attention due to its
medicinal value and other commercial uses. The aim of this study is to identify the trichome
characteristics that can be used in the identification of Melastoma species. The leaf
anatomical characteristics of trichomes were examined by sectioning techniques using
sliding microtome, peeling methods, slide preparation and subsequently observation under
a light microscope. A total of 15 types of trichomes were identified, varying from simple
multicellular, non-glandular or glandular trichomes and setose (elongate, multiseriate,
unbranched, non-glandular) trichomes were most common. The attribute of trichomes as
diagnostic characters was prominent in some taxa studied and can help to resolve taxonomic
problems in the species identification.
Publication Year: 2020
Publication Date: 2020-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 2
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