Oil Gland Collection

Thyme leaf oil gland. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of part of the leaf surface of the herb thyme, Thymus vulgaris, showing an oil gland

Oil glands on petal of peppermint flower
Oil glands. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a corolla petal from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita), showing oil (yellow) above its oil glands

Geranium oil gland
Geranium leaf oil gland. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a leaf of the fragrant Geranium plant, Pelargonium graveolens, showing an oil gland

Little Pied Cormorant - gathers oil from its preen gland as it dries its wings after a fishing session
EL-1924 Little Pied Cormorant - gathers oil from its preen gland as it dries its wings after a fishing session. Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Cormorants do not have waterproof feathers

Sage leaf oil gland. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fracture section through a leaf of sage, Salvia officinalis, showing an oil gland. At lower frame are leaf cells

Rosemary leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through a leaf of the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Tansy leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an oil gland on the leaf of a common tansy (Chrysanthemum or Tanacetum vulgare)

Coloured SEM of a lavender leafs surface
Lavender leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the ventral surface of a leaf of the lavender plant (Lavandula augustifolia)

Cross-section through a lemon. Light micrograph of cross- section of a lemon (Citrus limon) showing oil glands and placentas

Logitudinal section of a lemon
Longitudinal section of a lemon. Light micrograph of a section of a lemon (Citrus limon) showing the oil glands and placentas

Mint leaf surface, SEM
Mint leaf surface. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a mint (Menta sp.) leaf. The white structures are oil glands

Orange fruit, light micrograph
Orange fruit. Light micrograph of a section through the rind of a fruit from a bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) tree, showing one of the many spherical oil-secreting glands

Oil gland on a leaf, SEM
Oil gland. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a leaf from a crested latesummer mint plant (Elsholtzia ciliata)

Sage leaf oil glands, SEM
Sage leaf oil glands. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fracture through a sage leaf (Salvia officinalis), showing hairs, or trichomes, (green, thin) and oil glands (red)

Oil glands on a leaf, SEM
Oil glands. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a leaf from a crested latesummer mint plant (Elsholtzia ciliata)

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Oil glands are fascinating structures found in various plants and animals, serving different purposes. Take the thyme leaf oil gland, for example, which secretes aromatic oils that give this herb its distinct flavor and fragrance. Similarly, the oil glands on the petals of a peppermint flower release essential oils that contribute to its refreshing scent. In the botanical world, citrus fruits like oranges possess light micrographs showcasing their oil glands. These microscopic structures contain volatile compounds responsible for their characteristic aroma. On another note, geraniums also have oil glands that produce fragrant oils used in perfumes and aromatherapy. Moving away from plants, we encounter unique adaptations in animals such as the Little Pied Cormorant. After a fishing session, this bird gathers oil from its preen gland at the base of its tail to waterproof its feathers since they lack natural protection against water. This behavior ensures their wings remain dry while diving into aquatic environments. Returning to plant life once again brings us to sage leaves with their own remarkable oil glands. These small pockets release aromatic oils when crushed or bruised—a delightful addition to culinary dishes and herbal remedies alike. Rosemary is yet another herb boasting prominent oil glands within its leaves. The extracted oils offer not only a pleasant scent but also potential health benefits when used medicinally or incorporated into skincare products. Tansy leaves also feature distinctive oil glands containing potent compounds known for repelling insects—an effective defense mechanism against unwanted pests in nature's grand design. Examining lavender under a scanning electron microscope reveals an array of colorful surfaces originating from specialized cells called trichomes—some of which house precious essential oils coveted by many industries worldwide. Lastly, delving inside a lemon through cross-section exposes tiny sacs filled with fragrant citrus oils dispersed throughout the fruit's flesh—an integral part of both culinary delights and household cleaning solutions due to their invigorating properties.