What are glandular trichomes?

Glandular trichomes are characterized by the presence of cells that have the ability to secrete or store large quantities of secondary (also called specialized) metabolites, which contribute to increasing the plant fitness to the environment (for details, see Box 1).

Are glandular trichomes unicellular?

There are both unicellular and multicellular glandular trichomes. Moreover, they can also be uniseriate (they are arranged in single series or layer) or multiseriate (arranged in several series). The glandular trichomes include the stinging hairs and glandular hairs.

Where can glandular trichomes be found most commonly?

Glandular trichomes produce and store large amounts of cannabis resin. Female plants are particularly rich in glandular trichomes. These are mainly associated with the flower structures, but they can also be found on the underside of the leaves and occasionally on the stems of young plants.

What are the three types of trichomes?

The glandular type of trichome produces cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Within the glandular trichomes, there are three main types: bulbous, capitate-sessile and capitate-stalked. Non-glandular trichomes are called cystoliths.

What is the purpose of glandular trichomes?

Glandular trichomes are an important source of essential oils, i.e., natural fragrances or products that can be used by the pharmaceutical industry, although many of these substances have evolved to provide the plant with protection against herbivores and pathogens.

What are the stages of trichomes?

There are essentially four stages of trichome development, as shown above: Clear, Cloudy, Amber and Mixed. Each of these stages have various consequences on the strain effects, and can be great indicators of when to harvest.

What do trichomes prevent animals from doing?

Unlike animal hair, though, trichomes are often living cells. In many cases, trichomes protect plants from herbivorous insects that may want to feed on them. And in some cases, if the trichomes are especially stiff or irritating, they may protect a plant from larger herbivores.

What other plants have trichomes?

Another common type of trichome is the scale or peltate hair, that has a plate or shield-shaped cluster of cells attached directly to the surface or borne on a stalk of some kind. Common examples are the leaf scales of bromeliads such as the pineapple, Rhododendron and sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).

At what temperature do trichomes melt?

At the highest temperatures (up to 445°F), a vaporizer will quickly melt trichomes and release a large amount of THC and other molecules.

What are the uses of glandular trichomes to man?

What do trichomes look like when they’re ready?

Trichomes are small crystalline mushroom-shaped bumps covering the buds. When trichomes are clear and translucent, then it indicates it’s too early to harvest. When your plant has trichomes with half clear color, then it’s time to harvest, and the buds are at its best stage with better potency.

What happens when trichomes turn amber?

During the third and final stages of finishing, the trichomes will turn amber; the best practice is to wait until 70 percent of them are amber. The amber-colored resin indicates that the THC has reached the peak of ripeness and is ready to come down.

What is the function of the glandular trichome?

Glandular trichomes are epidermal outgrowths that are the site of biosynthesis and storage of large quantities of specialized metabolites.

What kind of glandular trichomes does a plumbago have?

Plumbago, for example, possesses glandular trichomes on its calyces that structurally resemble the tentacles of Drosera and Drosophyllum. The function of the Plumbago tentacles is, however, disputed. Some contend that their function is to aid in pollination, adhering seeds to visiting pollinators.

Which is protocarnivorous plant has glandular trichomes?

Some classic protocarnivorous plants represent convergent evolution in form but not necessarily in function. Plumbago, for example, possesses glandular trichomes on its calyces that structurally resemble the tentacles of Drosera and Drosophyllum. The function of the Plumbago tentacles is, however, disputed.

How are the hairs of a trichome classified?

The cells of the hairs may be dead or living. Very frequently the hairs lose their protoplasm in their cells. Trichomes may be classified into different morphological categories. One common type is referred to as hair. (ii) Multicellular. The unicellular hairs may be un-branched or branched.