Trichomes of the genus Alyssum L. (Cruciferae) in Jordan

Summary

Trichome types of 12 species of the genus Alyssum in Jordan have been studied, by the aid of light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). 16 types of trichomes were recognized. Scales, and unicellular eglandular hairs ranging from sessile of double bifurcate or multibranched webbed or un-webbed type with inflated or flat centre of 3–5 primary branches. Stalked bifurcate, tuberculate and multibranched glabrous or tuberculate types have also been recorded. The hair types recognized in this study provided useful taxonomie evidence that can be used to identify the different taxa of Alyssum.

Il presente lavoro rappresenta il risultato di una indagine al SEM dei tricomi riscontrati in 12 specie appartenenti al genere Alyssum L. per la Giordania. L'analisi morfologica ha permesso di individuare 16 tipi di tricomi attribuendone un significativo valore diagnostico al fine della identificazione delle specie indagate.

Key words:

• Alyssum
• Cruciferae
• morphology
• SEM investigations
• trichomes