Images Dated 25th August 1999

Section through leaf of marram grass

Marram grass leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a transverse section through a leaf of marram grass, Ammophila arenaria. The leaf surface (epidermis) is covered in a dense wax, which protects the plant against drying conditions. The upper surface of the leaf is highly grooved and covered with single-celled hairs. These hairs are to discourage foraging animals and also reduce air currents and so help prevent evaporation. At the base of each fold is a round vascular bundle containing xylem vessels (large oval spaces) and smaller phloem cells used to transport water and food through the leaf. Magnification: x46 at 5x7cm size. Magnification: x110 at 5x7ins size

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