Description of Trichomes: Peltate glandular secreting trichomes (GST).
In mint, peltate glandular trichomes are the most important trichome type. They consist of a basal cell, a stalk cell, and disc of 8 glandular cells approximately 60 micrometer in diameter. The gland cells secrete essential oils consisting of largely p-menthanes monoterpenes that include menthone and menthol, into an elevated cavity covered by a waxy cuticle.
Reference
1) David McCaskill, Jonathan Gershenzon and Rodney Croteau.(1992) Morphology and monoterpene biosynthetic capabilities of secretory cell clusters isolated from glandular trichomes of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). Planta 187:445-454.
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