Foliar micromorphology of Hermannia icana Cav.

The structure and distribution of foliar appendages on the leaves of this plant were investigated with the JEOL (JSM-6390LV) scanning electron microscope (SEM). Both glandular and non-glandular trichomes were observed, which differed from each other in morphology and location on the leaves. Long stalked glandular trichomes were present on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces while short stalked glandular trichomes were present only on the adaxial surface. Glandular trichomes were capitate while non-glandular trichomes were stellate with many arms. Some crystal deposits were observed on the surfaces of the leaves. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy-SEM of these crystals showed that Al, Ca, K, Na, Ti and Si were the major constituents. We hypothesize that the bioactive therapeutic compounds secreted by H. incana may be produced in the glandular trichomes.