Tilia ×europaea (flower)

Nomenclature

Tilia x vulgaris Hayne   Tiliaceae  
Syn. Tilia europaea L.  
Standardized common name (English): linden

Botanical Voucher Specimen

Tilia x europaea L. Source: Images courtesy of the C.V. Starr Virtual Herbarium of the New York Botanical Garden

Macroscopic Characteristics

The flowers are yellowish or greenish-white having 5 sepals and 5 petals. The 5 original stamens, by chorisis have each developed a cluster and at the base occurs in addition, a spatulate petal-like body opposite each of the petals. The pistil has a, 5-locular ovary which is surmounted by a single style and a 5-toothed stigma. The flowers contain a colorless, fragrant, volatile oil. Source: United States Dispensatory (1918)

Microscopic Characteristics

Large stellate trichomes observed at 400x with Acidified Chloral Hydrate Glycerol Solution. Source: Elan M. Sudberg, Alkemist Laboratories	Pollen grains have a diameter of about 30 mm to 40 mm and are oval or slightly triangular with three germinal pores and a finely granulated exine observed at 400x with Acidified Chloral Hydrate Glycerol Solution. Source: Elan M. Sudberg, Alkemist Laboratories