Young stems of Broom (Cytisus scoparius) showing reduced leaves and ridged stems
This image is a photomicrograph of an epidermal peel of the surface of a young stem. On the stems the stomata (gas exchange pores) are more or less confined to the grooves. This is an adaptation which helps to reduce water loss through evapotranspiration. There are fine hairs on the ridges, which may reduce airflow over the stem surface.
In this image the largest stomata are approximately 20 µm wide and 28 µm long.
Image by John Bebbington FRPS
Young stems of Broom (Cytisus scoparius) showing reduced leaves and ridged stems
This image is a photomicrograph of an epidermal peel of the surface of a young stem. On the stems the stomata (gas exchange pores) are more or less confined to the grooves. This is an adaptation which helps to reduce water loss through evapotranspiration. There are fine hairs on the ridges, which may reduce airflow over the stem surface.
In this image the largest stomata are approximately 20 µm wide and 28 µm long.
Image by John Bebbington FRPS