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).