Cuticular discontinuities in glandular hairs of Genlisea St.-Hil. in relation to their functions

Abstract

The terminal cells of glandular hairs are shown to be the only permeable sites on the trap surface. A cuticle of these cells of internal hairs forms pores. These discontinuities can be demonstrated directly by SEM and indirectly by using a vital stain. Cuticular discontinuities of internal trap hairs are involved in the discharge of hydrolytic enzymes and the absorption of the products of the digestion (internal trap nutrients absorption). For external trap hairs was suggested that they are hydropoten and play a role in both water and ions transport (external trap nutrients and water absorption). In some Genlisea species, sessile hairs on the underground parts may play a role in water transpiration. In other species like Genlisea filiformis and G. aurea, these hairs produce mucilage which is a habitat of the community of microorganisms.