Structure and distribution of plant trichomes in relation to taxonomy: Indian Physalis L. With 15 Figures and 2 Tables

Abstract

AbstractThe structure and organographic distribution of trichomes in six Physalis L. (Solanaceae) taxa available in the Indian natural populations have been studied. In all, seven trichome types are recognised. Structurally they are distinguishable into two hair classes one comprising sequence from unbranched hairs to branched, dendritic hairs with or without glandular tips. While the other class consists of short hairs each tipped with a unicellular or multicellular head. Of the seven types recognised the unbranched eglandular trichomes present in all the six taxa. Branched trichomes are absent in P. minima and P. angulata. Whereas branched hairs are available with all the other taxa studied. P. peruviana can easily be identified by its dentritic trichomes present in its corolla thorat. The white flowered form is the only form having branched glandular hairs. The glabrescent form is having glabrescent texture and the storied gland with unicellular head. There is no storied glandular trichomes in the case of P. pubescens which is having long silvery hairs around the stem. The distribution of trichomes in general is taxonomically significant. Accordingly a key based on the trichome types for identification of the species is presented.