Micromorphological and phytochemical survey of Ballota acetabulosa (L.) Benth

Within the Open Science project entitled 'Botanic Garden, factory of molecules', a multidisciplinary study approach was applied to Ballota acetabulosa (L.) Benth., at Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Toscolano Maderno, BS, Italy). Micromorphological and histochemical investigations were performed on secreting structures vegetative reproductive organs under light, fuorescence electronic microscopy. Concurrently characterization volatiles spontaneously emitted from leaves flowers examined. Four trichome morphotypes identified: peltate short-stalked, medium-stalked long-stalked capitate trichomes, each with specific distribution pattern. The analysis confirmed using ultrastructural observations, peltates capitates as main sites responsible for terpene production. head-space revealed that sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated both in flowers, γ-muurolene, β-caryophyllene (E)-nerolidol most abundant compounds. Moreover, comparison literature data concerning ecological roles compounds suggested their dominant defence, leaf flower level. Hence, we correlated production secondary metabolites an attempt link these potential roles. Finally, made obtained scientific knowledge available visitors through realization new labelling dedicated B. highlights 'invisible', microscopic features plant.