Wax Deposits on Leaf Surfaces

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Abstract
Electronmicrographs depict the deposition of surface wax on leaves of maize seed- lings, and the replacement of wax after rubbing young cabbage leaves. Wax patterns suggest that the outer walls of epidermal cells enlarge at the margins. The pictures show shallow pits in some epidermal walls but no evidence of wax canals. About half of the 48 spp. examined showed no surface wax. Surface was is a major factor in the wettability of leaves, as by sprays, but does not appear to be important in xerophytic adaptations. Cutin and sub-cutaneous wax are the major important in xerophytic adaptations. Cutin and sub-cutaneous wax are the major structures which protect the leaf against drying.

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