Epidermis-3

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Epidermis-3
		Cuticle of Clivia - The cuticle forms an impervious boundary between the cells in the leaf and the environment. The cuticle keeps water in & pathogens out. Plants that grow in extremely dry environments usually have thick cuticle layers & Lignification of the cell walls may also occur.
		This plant has an excellent cuticle!!! The cuticle stains orange in this specimen.
		*Midrib of Ohi'a lehua* showing extensive cuticle development on the Upper and Lower Epidermal Layers - Stained with Sudan IV (Red). The lower Cuticle has absorbed more stain.**
		*Lamina (blade) of Ohi'a lehua* stained with Sudan IV. Cuticle is also prominent on both surfaces.**
		*More Ohi'a lehua* cuticle (C). Also note the abundant Trichomes (T) on the lower abaxial surface.**
		These trichomes (seen with SEM) can occur on both the upper (Adaxial) or lower (Abaxial) surfaces. What might be their ecophysiological role?
		The trichomes are birefringent. what does this tell you about the cell walls of these cells?
		Ohi'a lehua leaf lower surface. This is densely covered by Trichomes.
		Ohi'a lehua leaf lower surface partly scraped.
		Ohi'a lehua leaf lower surface completely scraped. These trichomes have ecophysiological significance!