Types of Trichomes Explained

Professor DeBacco


Trichomes
Trichomes a small hair or other outgrowth from the epidermis of a plant, typically unicellular and glandular.
These structures are the site of cannabinoid, terpene and flavonoid production.
These are found on more than just cannabis plants as trepens function as a natural plant defense mechanism.



Glandular Trichomes
Glandular trichomes produce and store large amounts of cannabis resin which are found in high quantities on female flowers, but are also found on leaves and on stems of younger plants.
Glandular trichomes can occur as small bulbous trichomes with onecell stalks, sessile glands which are attached directly by the base without a stalk, or multicellular stalked glandular trichomes with long multicellular stalks on the bracteoles surrounding the pistillate flowers.
However three a common glandular trichomes to cannabis…

Bulbous trichomes
Capitate sessile trichomes
Capitatestalked trichomes

Bulbous Trichomes
Bulbous trichomes are found throughout the plant but do not produce or contain cannabinoid or terpenes
Very small at 1530 microns in size.



Capitate Sessile Trichomes
Capitatesessile trichomes that have a globular shaped head and are the most common as they are found on the stems, leaves and bracts.
While these trichomes do produce cannabinoids, the levels produced are much lower than the capitatestalked trichomes discussed next;)
These are midsized measuring from 25100 microns across



CapitateStalked Trichomes
Capitatestalked trichomes are the primary source of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plants oils found in the cannabis plant that develop only after flower formation.
If you look at the bracts of the flower and small tiny mushrooms that measure from 150500 microns tall.



NonGlandular Trichomes
Nonglandular trichomes are hairlike extensions resembling leaf hairs, with a slender pointed apex.
They protect the plant from its environment, mainly through physical means (e.g., restricting access to animals and insects, preventing water losses or light degradation, and fungal infection).
It is characteristic of cannabis to find nonglandular trichomes on both the top and bottom of leaves.
Two Main NonGlandular Trichomes
Cystolithic trichomes
Noncystolithic trichomes



Cystolithic Trichomes
Cystolithic trichomes have a characteristic bear claw shape and may have calcium cystoliths resembling knobs visible at their bases. They are found on the upper surface of the leaves and range from 150 to 220 microns in height. Frequently, the trichome is broken and the knob freed.

NonCystolithic Trichomes

Noncystolithic trichomes are found most often on the lower side of the leaves, bracts, and bracteoles and tend to be fine and slender in shape.




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