Lavender leaf. Coloured scanning electron micro- graph (SEM) of the leaf surface of a lavender plant (Lavandula augustifolia). Numerous branched hairs (trichomes) cover the leaf's surface. These have both a protective function against pests and serve to reduce evaporation from the leaf. The rounded structures (brown, lower left) on the leaf's surface are guard cells surrounding stomata, pores which regulate gas exchange between the leaf's interior and the atmosphere. Lavender is an aromatic herb which grows wild in the Mediterranean region, but is farmed all over the world. Magnification: x310 at 6x7cm size. x480 at 4x5"~LANDSCAPE"