TAXONOMIC IMPLICATION OF TRICHOMES ON SILICULES IN ALYSSUM L. (BRASSICACEAE) SPECIES IN TURKEY

Abstract

This study includes detailed trichomes morphological analysis of Alyssum which are distributed in Turkey. Trichome shapes were investigated fruit surface of 16 species of Alyssum L., 4 of which are endemic to Turkey, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The shapes of trichomes vary from stellate to lepidote, tuberculate and bifurcate. The stellate is the most common type. Some of species have two or three kinds of trichomes on their silicules. The trichome types recognized in this study provided useful taxonomic evidence that can be used to identify the different taxa of Alyssum.