Structural Features of Glandular and Non-glandular Trichomes in Three Species of Mentha

The trichomes on leaves of three species of Mentha such as M. spicata, M. suaveolens, and M. piperita var were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Simple non-glandular trichomes and peltate glandular trichomes were distinctively occurred on these leaves. In M. spicata, short and sharp non-glandular trichomes were dominantly appeared on adaxial surface, whereas capitate glandular trichomes were commonly localized on abaxial surface. In M. suaveolens, non-glandular trichomes were identified with simple unbranched and branched. Unbranched trichomes which were sharp and pointed in shape occurred on adaxial surface, however, branched and v-shaped trichomes appeared abundantly on abaxial surface. Peltate trichomes consisted of a large eight-celled head. Small capitates trichomes consisted of a cylindrical head with an one-celled uniseriate stalk. In M. piperita var, single non-glandular trichomes and peltate trichomes were present on adaxial surface. Small capitate trichomes consisted of a globose unicellular head with a two- or three-celled uniseriate stalk. Peltate trichomes were distinctly present on abaxial surface, whereas they were not observed on adaxial surface. The trichomes were less dense in this species. Peltate trichomes consisted of a large eight-celled head, with an enlarged secretory cavity, attached to an one-celled short stalk.