Trichome Morphology of Cimicifuga L. (Ranunculaceae) and Its Taxonomic Significance

Trichomes found in the genus Cimicifuga were examined with scanning electron microscopy. Four basic types of trichomes were found in the genus; (1) filiform unicellular trichomes, (2) saccate unicellular trichomes, (3) pyriform unicellular trichomes, and (4) uniseriate multicellular trichomes. All the taxa examined develop at least two different types of trichomes, and many taxa are distinguished by differences in type, microornamentation, density, and position of trichomes. In addition, trichome features appear to be very useful in recognizing species relationships in the genus.