Development and Biomechanics of <i>Grewia lasiocarpa</i> E. Mey. Ex Harv. Trichomes Exudate

<i>Grewia lasiocarpa</i> E. Mey. Ex Harv., Malvaceae (forest raisin) is a tropical small tree or shrub valued for its ecological importance as well as its nutritional, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties as well as its ecological and ornamental importance. Glandular and non-glandular trichomes are present on the fruits, stem bark and leaves of <i>G. lasiocarpa</i> and these trichomes are the first line of defense. They are important structures that plants use to combat biotic and abiotic stress. The development of <i>G. lasiocarpa</i> trichomes and the biomechanics of the exudates present in the glandular (capitate) trichome were investigated for the first time using advanced microscopy techniques [Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM)]. The pressurized cuticular striations may play a role in the exudates’ biomechanics, i.e., releasing secondary metabolites present in the capitate trichome, which was observed to be multidirectional. The presence of many glandular trichomes on a plant implies an increase in the amount of phytometabolites. A common precursor for the development of trichomes (non-glandular and glandular) was observed to be DNA synthesis associated with a periclinal cell division, thus the final fate of the cell is determined by cell cycle regulation, polarity, and expansion. The glandular trichomes of <i>G. lasiocarpa</i> are multicellular and polyglandular, while the non-glandular (glandless) trichomes are either single-celled or multicellular. Since, trichomes ‘house’ phytocompounds of medicinal, nutritional, and agronomical benefits; the molecular and genetic study of the glandular trichomes of <i>Grewia lasiocarpa</i> will be beneficial to humanity.