It is mid May and my garden is full of green! One of the plants that is growing really well is marjoram. Last week, I had more than enough of this herb to use fresh from the garden, dry for the winter, and observe under my Foldscope 2.0! Read on to find out what I saw!
Figure 1. Picture of a marjoram plant
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Stomata
Leaves are usually the first indication that a plant is growing in the spring. The leaves are vital to plant survival because they control photosynthesis and gas exchange. Stomata, openings on the surface of a leaf, allow carbon dioxide to enter the plant and oxygen and water vapor to exit. If a leaf is thin enough, you can see the stomata with a Foldscope. I love that they look like little mouths, especially when you consider that what they are doing is breathing for the plant!
Figure 2. Picture of a marjoram stomata viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 340X plus 5X zoom on phone
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Trichomes
Marjoram plants are very hairy. These hairs, called trichomes, cover the entire plant and protect it from the heat. Even if you can’t see them, you can tell they are there because the plant feels very soft. The images below show trichomes on the edge and surface of a marjoram leaf.
Figure 3. Picture of marjoram trichomes on the edge of a leaf (left) and on the surface of a leaf (right) viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Lignin
A marjoram plant may feel soft to the touch, but its stem is strong. This is because inside the stem is a substance called lignin. Lignin is a polymer that adds sturdiness to plants allowing them to grow up without collapsing. Lignin forms in coils inside of the xylem. Xylem is a part of the vascular system that pulls water and minerals up from the roots, distributing them throughout the plant. To see lignin under a Foldscope, cut a thin longitudinal section of the stem and place it on a slide. The lignin in the picture below looks like a stretched out slinky!
Figure 4. Picture of lignin inside of a marjoram stem viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
I love learning more about what I am growing in my garden by studying it under a Foldscope. Seeing the microscopic structures of an herb that I enjoy growing and eating helps me to appreciate it even more. Have you looked at marjoram under a Foldscope 2.0? Use your Foldscope to dive into the microscopic world and find the beauty that is there waiting for you. Share your microscopic images and thoughts on the Microcosmos. Be sure to tag us on social media when you post the results of your explorations, creations, and discoveries! We love to see how Foldscopers around the world are using their Foldscopes in new and innovative ways!
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Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/video/marjoram-relative-oregano-video/-209343
