Fig.
10.3-11. Magnification of oleander crypt. The arrows indicate three
stomata present in this small portion of the crypt epidermis. In an SEM view, we
would see many stomata in the bowl-shaped crypt epidermis. The numerous
trichomes prevent the air inside the crypt from being disturbed by wind outside
the crypt. Notice that once carbon dioxide enters the crypt and then one of the
stomatal pores, it encounters a very open aerenchyma that permits it to diffuse
deep into the leaf, away from the stomata. By diffusing deep into the leaf, it
is more likely to enter a photosynthetic cell rather than accidentally diffusing
back out of the leaf.