Evading the 'Lotus Effect'.
A micro-relief of wax encrustation or outgrowths of epidermal cells imparts a property to most leaf surfaces which makes them self-cleaning when rain drops pass over them. Fungi, lichens and algae may evade this self-cleaning mechanism and take up residence on the leaf surface.
Fountain
D W
DW
Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005658:Fungi / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D008011:Lichens / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010944:Plants / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014885:Waxes
D014885:Waxes