Abstract:

Trichomes are epidermal appendages derived from aboveground plant organs, exhibiting diverse morphologies and extensive functions. They play a central role in plant adaptation to the environment and in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. In recent years, trichomes have emerged as one of the hotspots in plant research, serving as an ideal model for studying cell differentiation and development, as well as natural “metabolic factories”. In ornamental plants, trichomes not only directly influence key ornamental traits such as the texture of flower color and floral scent components, but are also closely associated with environmental adaptability. This makes them highly valuable for breeding new germplasm that combines aesthetic qualities with stress resistance. Currently, systematic research on trichomes in ornamental plants remains limited, with most studies still at the stage of basic morphological observation and description. The molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying trichome development, metabolic synthesis pathways, and their deeper connections with the formation of ornamental traits require urgent further investigation. Starting from morphology, this paper systematically elaborates on the traditional classification system based on function and structure. At the level of evolutionary development, it focuses on the complex evolutionary processes involving the multiple origins and convergent evolution of trichomes. Meanwhile, with the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex as the core, it explains the fundamental regulatory network of trichome development, as well as the influences of hormone signals and environmental stress, exploring the diversity and specificity of trichome regulatory mechanisms in ornamental plants. The paper summarizes the core biological roles and integrated application value of trichomes in ornamental plants, emphasizing their multifunctional potential in green plant protection and environmental management. This provides a new perspective for the next phase of theoretical research and innovative breeding of trichomes in ornamental plants. In the future, it will be possible to cultivate new generations of ornamental plants that possess ecological resilience, economic value, and ornamental appeal, promoting the entry of ornamental plant breeding into a new era characterized by on-demand design, multifunctionality, and intelligent, efficient breeding.

Key words: ornamental plants, trichome, morphological structure, regulatory mechanism, secondary metabolism, cell factory, developmental evolution, germplasm screening