3.1 External leaf morphology of Capparis odoratissima
Detailed evaluations of the oblong, hypostomatous leaves of C.
odoratissima showed a dark green color of the adaxial surface (Figure
1a). Numerous translucent spots were located in concave areas of the
surface, which corresponded with the tips of individual idioblasts
(Figure 1b). Idioblast tips were interspersed between epidermal cells
and, after staining and clearing the tissue, displayed a star-like shape
when observed from above (Figure 1c). At higher magnification, each
idioblast projected a narrow pore toward the adaxial surface of the leaf
(Figure 1d). Abaxially, the leaves exhibited a pale green color (Figure
1e), which resulted from the total coverage of the lamina by an
imbricate carpet of peltate hairs (Figure 1f). These non-glandular hairs
were variable in size, but each contains a uniform multicellular,
umbrella-like base, with thick-walled filiform cells (Figure 1g), and a
central domed shield on top that protrudes to the exterior. Despite
having very thick walls, there are interconnections between the central
channels of the cells (Figure 1h).