Are the wing's cells alive? Study case in Vriesea trichomes

Abstract The presence of peltate foliar trichomes is one of the main anatomical characteristic of Bromeliaceae. These complex structures are adapted to compensate water and nutrient absorption in species that have reduced or substrate and light-reflection independent roots. They have enabled species' survival in diverse and extreme environments contributing to the wide distribution of this family. In the present work, we analyzed the peltate trichomes' characteristics in three taxa of Vriesea (Tillandsioideae): Vriesea platynema var. platynema, V. platynema var. variegata and V. tijucana. Leaves in different developmental stages were analyzed with histochemical tests and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Main results include the presence of cytoplasmic content in the wing peripheral cells, as well as in mature leaves. This is the first register of the presence of such feature in this family, which brings the possibility of discussing how water can be absorbed by these cells.