Gymnosperm Leaf

This photo shows a pine leaf. Pine leaves are an example of gymnosperm leaves. A gymnosperm leaf is a needle-like or scaly structure and has a waxy cuticle. They contain a sunken stoma and vascular tissue containing phloem and xylem. The sunken stoma protects the leaves by preventing water loss.  Gymnosperm leaves are found as fascicles and are usually shed after the second growing season; however, in some species they last longer. In extreme cases, the leaves last up to 36 years. The leaves shown above represent gymnosperm leaves because they are pine tree leaves. The pine tree is apart of the gymnosperm family. The leaves show the needle-like appearance along with its vascular structure.

“10. Leaves.” Pine Cones, www.pinetum.org/Lovett/10leaves.htm.
“Gymnosperms.” Bottled Water: Better Than the Tap?,            
        projects.ncsu.edu/project/bio181de/Lab/plant_phylogeny/gymnosperms.html.