Trichome

• Title

  Trichome

• Definition

  A hair-like outgrowth of the epidermis. In botany, trichome is preferred over the use of hair.

• Notes

  In neotropical Lecythidaceae trichomes can be simple, septate (common in species of Gustavia, or stellate (only known in species of Couratari). A simple trichome is unbranched and lacks septae at right angles to the long axis of the trichome; a sepate trichome is unbranched but has what are interpreted as septae at right angles to the long axis of the trichome, i.e., they are not intepreted as consisting of multiple cells; and a stellate trichome is one that consists of more than one branch, some of which bear a resemblance to the shape of a star. Trichomes are most commonly found on leaves and all parts of the inflorescence, including parts of the flower but especially the hypanthium and calyx-lobes. Trichomes are always more dense on younger parts of the plant and ones that were densely pubescent on new flushed parts may become glabrous with age.

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