Lavender leaf trichome (Lavandula sp.)

SEM of the surface of a lavender leaf. Lavender plants are being cultivated across the globe for their essential oils. Lavender oil droplets (purple) are composed of a volatile mix of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and are used extensively in cosmetics, natural medicines and food products. Oils are synthesised and secreted from two types of glandular trichomes (peltate and capitate) which are modified epidermal hairs (light green, spikey appearance). False-coloured scanning electron micrograph; x 400; trichome is approximately 160 micrometers in length.