SUM M.•\R^•The trichome number and the variability in mono and sequisterpene distribution of peltate trichome.s within a leaf was in\esliKated during development of peppermint (Mentlui X piperitti L.) leaves. A larger number of peltate trichomes was initiated on adaxial epidermises than abaxial epidermises, but during leaf development a greater yland number was produced on abaxial epidermises. I''\ idence showed that the trichome number was not fixed at the time of leaf emergence. On both epidermises, the trichome distribution was found to change with its position on the leaf. A striking monoterpene composition variability was present among indi\ idual trichomes and between different parts of the leaf. Different rates of peltate trichome development and distribution as well as significant differences in trichome number and density were found between the epidermises. . A clear and opposite trend was found between menthone and menthol percentages during development. .Menthone and menthol \\eie also found to be present in larger amounts on adaxial epidermises, whereas neomenthol and isonienthol had highest percentages on abaxial epidermises. Of the total oil collected from peltate trichomes, 60",, was composed of menthone, isomenthol, menthol and neomenthol and of the remaining 40",,, more than half was represented by (ither mono and sesc^uiterpenes while the final percentage was made up of a few unidentified earl\-eluting compounds of high volatility.