Abstract
The intensely fragrant flowers of the <em>Rosa rugosa </em>Thunb. have been applied in medicine, and food and cosmetic industries. The species is cultivated for production of rose essential oil (<em>Oleum Rosae</em>) from its flowers. <em>R. rugosa </em>petals secrete the largest quantities of essential oil. <br />The aim of the study was to identify the characteristics of the epidermis of both sides of the petal and to observe whether adaxial and abaxial epidermal cells can secrete essential oil. The investigations were conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy. The analyses were focused on petal thickness and characteristics of the mesophyll. The study has demon- strated that only adaxial epidermal cells form conical papillae covered by massive cuticular striae. The surface of the papillae displayed remnants of a secretory substance. In turn, the inner walls of the abaxial epidermal cells were flat and covered by a striated cuticle, which exhibited various striation patterns. Frarant substances stored under the cuticle caused local stretching thereof and disappearance of striation. The results of our observations allow a statement that the cells of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis of <em>R. rugosa </em>petals differ in terms of the structure and they secrete fragrant substances.
Highlights
Rosa rugosa Thunb. originates from north-eastern Asia (Szweykowska and Szweykowski, 2003; Bruun, 2005)
Thin layers of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis and mesophyll covering a considerable part of the petal were visible in the cross section of the Rosa rugosa petal (Fig. 1 B)
Essential oils are contained primarily in petal epidermal cells or in flower parts differentiated into osmophores (E s a u, 1973; Vogel, 1990)
Summary
Rosa rugosa Thunb. originates from north-eastern Asia (Szweykowska and Szweykowski , 2003; Bruun , 2005). Originates from north-eastern Asia (Szweykowska and Szweykowski , 2003; Bruun , 2005). It was introduced in Europe as an ornamental plant in the mid-19th century (Bruun , 2006). Rosa rugosa has modest soil requirements and is characterized by considerable frost and draught resistance. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the species has been planted along roads, reinforcement of sandy slopes, railway embankments, and coastal dunes in Europe and North America (Szweykowska and Szweykowski , 2003; Bruun , 2005, 2006). In its homeland (China), Rosa rugosa is regarded as a rare species, whereas in the localities where it has been introduced, i.e. North America, Europe, and Australia, it is an invasive plant (Marinelli , 2006). Seeds can be dispersed by birds and small mammals (Bruun , 2005; Marinelli , 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
