Abstract: A detailed observation of trichomes’ structure and development on the surface of China second class protected plant-Elaeagnus mollis Diels leaves’ trichomes was conducted under scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and stereomicroscope.The leaves beared two types of trichomes, branchy and peltate trichomes, which comprised head and stalk. Both of them originated from the protodermal cells and formed four cells through two successive periclinal divisions. During the late stage of development, the type of trichomes was affected by the differention degree of the four cells. The head cell would developed into branchy trichomes if the four cells splited into eight ones not in a level,and the one would developed into peltate trichomes if the four cells splited into eight ones in a level. The development of stalk were similar, which developed from the near epidermis cells and mesophyll cells.

Key words: Elaeagnus mollis Diels, trichomes