| Abstract: | The epidermis and its cuticle are the first line of defence of the plant against a hostile environment. They reduce desiccation, the assaults of pathogens and insects and, more recently, the attacks of toxic sprays and aerial pollution. All aerial surfaces of a plant have a cuticle and there may sometimes be found internal cuticles as well. The epidermal cell/cuticle sandwich is as diverse in structure, dimensions and chemistry as the plants on which it is found. Examples of many of these diverse structures are described and illustrated and their possible roles discussed. |
