From Cell to Organ-9 
There are a wide variety of Epidermal cell types. The typical Epidermal Cell resembles Parenchyma but it has only tiny plastids. All Epidermal Cells have a waxy Cuticle on their outer surface. They may contain Red/Purple Anthocyanins in their vacuoles. This gives the cells a uniform color. Chloroplasts are present in the Guard Cells which are part of the Stomata. The Guard Cells tend to be smaller than typical Epidermal Cells, and they occur in discernable patterns. The Epidermis can produce a wide range of hairs (Trichomes). These can be unicellular or multicellular. They may absorb water from the soil, secrete chemicals to the surface, inject chemicals into the skin, trap & digest insects and perform many other functions.
 Surface View of Epidermis from a Leaf: Note the undulating Epidermal Cells plus the Stomata (S) and Trichomes (T). |
 Lily Epidermis showing the Elongate Epidermal cells and the Guard Cells which are part of the Stomata |
 Surface of Kukui Leaf with branched Trichomes |
 Isolated Kukui Trichome |
 Cross Section of Venus Fly Trap Leaf: Note the Epidermal Layer and the Multicellular Trichomes which are part of the Epidermis. |
 Epidermis of Silver Sword showing the Guard Cells (GC) of the Stomata |
Trichomes are most abundant with flowering plants! Other Divisions generally lack hairs, except for root hairs.
