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As seen in the scanning electron microscope the surface wax of leaves of Phormium tenax L. consists of vertical, plate-like crystals. These increase in size and number and undergo a change in form during development. The abaxial surface has a dense covering of wax crystals, but none are present on the ridges over vascular tissues. Numerous papillae are found between these ridges in later stages of development. On the adaxial surface both wax crystals and papillae are present only around infrequent stomata.