Micromorphological study on trichomes of Oligochaeta ramosa (Roxb.) wagenitz from semi-arid regions of Barmer, Rajasthan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the different types of trichomes found in Oligochaeta ramosa (Roxb.) Wagenitz, a member of the Asteraceae family. Trichomes are one of the micromorphological traits that can be examined to help in the identification of Asteraceae species.  After being examined under a light microscope, the trichomes were categorised into 13 categories for this study. The distinguishing feature of Oligochaeta ramosa (Roxb.) Wagenitz is consists of glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Non glandular trichomes are simple multicellular with long and pointed tip. Sessile and Peltate types of glandular trichome were also reported in Oligochaeta ramosa (Roxb.) Wagenitz. Different glandular and non-glandular trichomes were identified, differing in size and shape. It was found that there were several different-shaped multicellular non-glandular and glandular trichomes. This study revealed the significance of plant anatomy data to assist Asteraceae plant identification.