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Radboud universityFaculty of ScienceBiologyHOMEWEB MODULESThe  leaf >     Mesomorph

    Mesomorph

The mesomorph leaf type is found in almost all plants from zones with a moderate climate. By clicking on the thumbnails views larger images can be obtained as well as further explanations about the microscopic sections. The two upper species (lilac and petunia) show the mesomorphic basic anatomy with some variations. The third species, Ivy, has besides mesomorphic characteristics also xeromorphic properties.
 
Mesomorph Angiosperms: Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Cross-section throug the leaf
Stained cross-section through a leaf of lilac
Stained cross-section through the leaf of lilac: 1 upper epidermis, 2 palisade parenchyma, 3 spongy parenchyma, 4 air cavity, 5 lower epidermis, 6 stomata, 7 trichome, 8 major vein, 9 xylem, 10 phloem, 11 supporting tissue (sclerenchyma)


Suggestion for a tutorial project: using the above photograph with labels and descriptions, try to find similar structures (e.g. stomata) in the zoomable image here below

Zoomify viewer
Links to images of lilac leaf
Lilac branch
Upper side leaf
Cross-section<br> close-up
stoma and trichome
Branch
Upper side leaf
Detail hmain vein
(cross-section leaf)
Trichome and stoma
abaxial side of leaf

 
Leaves of Petunia: overview and hand sections
Upper side leaf
Lower side leaf
Overview petunia leaf
Midvein
Upper side leaf
Lower side leaf
Overview of petunia leaf
Midvein
Palisade & sponge parenchyma
Sponge parenchyma cells
Epidermis strip
Leaf hair
Palisade and spongy parenchyma
Sponge parenchyma
Epidermis strip
Leaf hair
All images of petunia leaves (image gallery)

 
Ivy (hedera helix is known for combining xeromorphic and mesomorphic characteristics. Ivy grows in woody ans shady environment where high humidity would be expected. However, ivy is an evergreen that carries its leaves throughout the relatively dry winter. Although the leaf is largely mesomorphic, it shows some typical features of xeromorph species, i.e. the surface is covered by a leathery cuticula and the tissues are very compact.
 
Leaves of ivy
Close-up of leaves
Upper side leaf
Cross-section, overview
Close-up of the cross-section
Cross-section, overview
Close-up of leaves
Close-up of the cross-section
Upper side leaf


last modified: 20 Apr 2011