Leaves

     Other than adding to the aesthetics of plants and trees, leaves are essential for the process of photosynthesis,  hence necessary for survival. Being thin and flat, maximizes the surface area exposed to light and increases the absorption of carbon dioxide. The rate of absorption of carbon dioxide is controlled by organelles called stomata. Stomata are microscopic pores found on the epidermis of plants. They are boarded by guard cells which regulate the opening and closing of the stoma.

     The leaves in my tree have most of its stomata in the lower epidermis. It has a great number of stomata (297 per millimeter squared) and this allows more carbon dioxide and oxygen to enter the leaf. To prevent water loss due to so many pores, the leaf has a very waxy coat.