Oil Glands
Plants secrete a
myriad of chemical substances that are important for both their own
well-being and interactions with other organisms. Man has found many
of these substances to possess useful properties which often results
in their commercial exploitation. A large number of oils and fragrances
are produced by surface borne glandular trichomes.
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Oregano (Origanum heracleoticum)
Glandular trichome with ruptured membrane
showing secretary cells beneath x740
Glandular trichomes exist in a variety of forms but are frequently a flattened multicellular complex of sessile cells covered by a membrane cuticle. These trichomes may be found on any part of the plant especially the leaves and flowers.
Oil secretions, sometimes coloured, fill the space between the glandular cells and the overlying cuticle which becomes stretched and greatly distended. The secretions are chemically complex and generally aromatic mixtures of many compounds. A book covering this subject in more detail is now available from this site - please go to the book page.
For information on how and where to buy aromatherapy supplies please visit Phytobotanica
All images copyright © Andrew Syred 2000