Scanning electron photomicrograph; x590 approximate magnification; post-capture digital colorization

Eye of Science, Reutlingen, Germany

The image shows a small portion of a leaf from a lavender plant, Lavandula angustifolia. Numerous dense branched hairs, called trichromes, are observed in the picture covering the leaf's surface. These hairs function as a protective barrier against the invasion of pests and also serve to reduce water evaporation from the leaf.
The rounded structure (pale tan, lower center) is an oil gland that produces lavender's aromatic scent. Below the gland is the impermeable cuticle that is supported by epidermal cells. The color in this image was digitally added afterwards since scanning electron microscopes are only capable of producing monochrome images.