Foliar trichomes of selected Melastoma L. taxa of Peninsular Malaysia

Leaf indumentum consists of trichomes, which is an explicit variety of characters that have been practically used in the plant identification. Melastoma is one of the genera with diverse indumentum among the Melastomataceae and has gained attention due to its medicinal value and other commercial uses. The aim of this study is to identify the trichome characteristics that can be used in the identification of Melastoma species. The leaf anatomical characteristics of trichomes were examined by sectioning techniques using sliding microtome, peeling methods, slide preparation and subsequently observation under a light microscope. A total of 15 types of trichomes were identified, varying from simple multicellular, non-glandular or glandular trichomes and setose (elongate, multiseriate, unbranched, non-glandular) trichomes were most common. The attribute of trichomes as diagnostic characters was prominent in some taxa studied and can help to resolve taxonomic problems in the species identification.