Macro photograph of trichomes (hairs) on the surface of a leaf from a watermoss (Salvinia sp.) plant. Watermoss is a floating aquatic plant. These super-hydrophobic hairs trap a layer of air and repel water (the Salvinia effect), allowing the plant to float and preventing it from becoming water-logged and sinking. Any water landing on the upper surface of the leaf beads up and rolls off. Salvinia-surfaces are used as drag reducing coatings on ships to make them more buoyant, therefore reducing energy consumption and emissions. Magnification: x40, when printed 10cm wide.