Lavender oil gland (Lavandula augustifolia) Science Image

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Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the ventral surface of a leaf of the lavender plant (Lavandula augustifolia). Spherical lavender oil glands (mauve) are found among the branched hairs (trichomes) covering the leaf's surface. These hairs have both a protective function against predators and serve to reduce evaporation from the leaf. The small, rounded green structures on the leaf's surface are pores (stomata) which regulate gas exchange between the leaf's interior and the atmosphere. Lavender grows wild in the Mediterranean region, but is farmed all over the world. Magnification: x300 at 5x7cm size. Magnification:x738 at 5x7" size.