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The epidermis is a very specialized cell layer characterized by anticlinal cell divisions.

A thick cuticle and wax coverings help to reduce water loss.

Specialized epidermal cells include trichomes and stomata.

Photo showing the epidermis of plant cells, including trichomes and stomata.

Cuticle - The outer waxy covering on the epidermis of stems, leaves, and fruit.

The cuticle protects the epidermal surface from drying out. Plants native to arid climates can have extremely thick cuticles.

Cross section photo of plant cells showing the anticlinal cell divisions and cuticle on the surface of cells.

Note anticlinal cell divisions and cuticle on surface of cells.

Anticlinal cell division is the plane of division perpendicular to the surface of the organ.

This is in contrast to periclinal cell divisions that are parallel to the outer surface.

Photo of plant material pointing out anticlinal cell divisions.

Illustration showing the difference between anticlinal division where cells divide perpendicular to the outer surface, and periclinal division where cells divide parallel to the outer surface.

The epidermis is not a homogeneous group of cells.

A leaf surface can also contain trichomes and stomata.

Photo showing the epidermis of plant cells, pointing out trichomes and stomata.