Indumentum

Covering of hairs or bristles on plant or insect

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In biology, an indumentum (Latin, literally: "garment") is a covering of trichomes (fine "hairs") on a plant ^[1] or of bristles (rarely scales) of an insect.

Indumentum of Echium vulgare

Caducous hairs on a developing pitcher of Nepenthes chaniana

Rust-colored indumentum on the underside of a leaf of the bog Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)

Plants

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Further information: Trichome

The indumentum on plants can have a wide variety of functions, including as anchorage in climbing plants (e.g., Galium aparine ), in transpiration control, in water absorption (Tillandsia ), the reflection of solar radiation, increasing water-repellency (e.g., in the aquatic fern Salvinia ), in protection against insect predation, and in the trapping of insects (Drosera , Nepenthes , Stylosanthes ). Plant indumentum types include