Trichome Microscopy as a Diagnostic Tool for Species of the Solidago Complex: S. chilensis and S. microglossa

Abstract

The plant species identification process is one of the most critical stages of quality control of plant raw material. Microscopy serves as the most accessible means for this purpose. Epidermal appendages, such as trichomes, are important botanical markers of plant drugs, taking into account their presence or absence and micromorphology. Trichomes are useful in detecting adulterants or substitutes and in authenticating plant raw materials. The genus Solidago includes two morphologically similar South American species, S. chilensis Meyen and S. microglossa DC. (syn. S. chilensis var. megapotamica). The two species belong to the "S. chilensis" complex and are commonly called arnica-do-mato or arnica. They are HIGHLIGHTS• Solidago comprises two very similar South American species: S. chilensis and S. microglossa.• S. chilensis and S. microglossa can be differentiated microscopically.• Trichomes are sufficient to differentiate S. chilensis and S. microglossa even in a powder form.• The absence or presence of the uniseriate and/or biseriate no glandular trichomes determines the species.