leaf surfaces
Where photosynthesis occurs
The leaf surfaces are the upper and lower faces of a leaf, each with distinct characteristics.
The upper surface (adaxial) typically appears darker and glossier, oriented toward sunlight, while the lower surface (abaxial) is often paler and contains most of the stomata—tiny pores for gas exchange.
Botanists and gardeners describe leaf surfaces as glossy, waxy, hairy, or rough: Check the leaf surfaces for signs of pest damage.
- stomataMicroscopic plant pores
- waxyResembling paraffin's texture
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- veinsBlood-return tubes
- fuzzySoft and unclear
glossy · texture · pores · chlorophyll · epidermis · hairy · smooth · underside · photosynthesis · dewdrops · dew drops · dusty · dust particles · matte · shiny · trichomes · lamina · blade
- leaf photographyautumn leaves, fall foliage, green leaves, leaf patterns, dried leaves