Abstract
Leaf indumentum characteristics of 52 taxa of the genusBiscutella are examined by hand lens, stereo- and scanning electron microscopy. Hairs occur on all vegetative organs of all taxa exceptB. laevigata subsp.lucida which is completely glabrous and shining. Trichomes are simple unicellular and attenuate but are variable in structure, size and distribution both within and between species. Eight types of indumenta are recognized and these include hispid/hirsute, puberulent, tomentose, villous and velutious. Each type varies in abundance from sparse to dense within the genus. In a few cases, indumentum is species-specific; for example, the whitish tomentose hair covering ofB. frutescens distinguishes this species from the remaining species of the genus. In other taxonomically important species affinities are indicated. The occurrence of indumentum is discussed in relation to the various roles usually ascribed to this feature.
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