Sago Cycas Leaf (Cross Section)
Cycas revoluta
A cross section of a sago palm leaflet (Cycas revoluta Leaf C.S.) double-stained with Safranin and Fast Green, demonstrating striking xeromorphic adaptations characteristic of gymnosperm foliage. The revolute margins curve downward at the lateral edges. A thick, protective cuticle covers the single-layered adaxial epidermis, supported underneath by a well-developed, sclerenchymatous hypodermis that provides mechanical strength and prevents desiccation. Sunken stomata with distinct guard cells are localized within the abaxial epidermis. Beneath the hypodermis, a continuous layer of columnar palisade mesophyll cells sits above a spongy mesophyll zone. Transfusion tissue with tracheid-like cells extends laterally from the single central vascular bundle, facilitating transverse transport of water and nutrients across the thick leaflet.
- Category
- Botany & Plants
- Magnification
- 20x
- Stain
- Safranin / Fast Green
- Tags
- sago cycas leaf, Cycas revoluta, sago cycas leaf cross section, cycad leaflet, gymnosperm leaf, xeromorphic leaf, revolute margin, thick cuticle, sclerenchymatous hypodermis, sunken stomata, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, transfusion tissue, vascular bundle, xylem, phloem, plant histology
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