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Dew formation is common in several regions of the world, but in arid and semiarid regions dew may represent an important water source for plants. In this study, we tested whether the leaves of a common shrub in the semiarid region of Brazil, Combretum leprosum Mart. (Combretaceae) absorb dew. We also identified the leaf anatomical structures that are involved in this process and tested whether dew absorption favours hydration of leaf tissues in both field and greenhouse experiments. The translucent and shiny leaf trichomes of C. leprosum absorbed dew. Leaf water absorption through hydrophilic trichomes and the presence of hydrophilic polysaccharides in C. leprosum increased its leaf water status. The presence of paraveinal mesophyll and the role of this tissue in the redistribution of water in the leaf are shown for the first time in Combretaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]