Hair-like structures or scales that grow from the epidermis of plants, serving various functions including protection, temperature regulation, and deterring herbivores. Trichomes can be simple hairs or complex branched structures.
From Greek 'trichoma' meaning hair growth, from 'trichos' (hair). The term was adopted in botany in the 19th century to describe the diverse hair-like structures found on plant surfaces.
Trichomes are like a plant's Swiss Army knife - they can be chemical factories, solar reflectors, water collectors, or even tiny harpoons! Some trichomes on stinging nettle inject formic acid like hypodermic needles, while others on lamb's ear create such effective insulation that the leaves feel like velvet.
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