Japanese sago palm leaf. Light micrograph (LM) of a transverse section through the leaf (pinna) of a Japanese sago palm, cycad, (Cycas revoluta). The structure of the leaf has xerophytic (drought plants) characteristics. The upper and lower epidermis of the leaf has a layer of thick sclerenchyma fibres (orange), which give support to the leaf and cut down water loss. The midrib has three layers of epidermal sclerenchyma cells, on both sides for support and a central vascular bundle made up of phloem sieve cells (blue) and xylem tracheids. Magnification: x14 when printed 10 centimetres wide.