Rose Petal Upper Surface, SEM

Papillae on the upper surface of a rose flower petal (Rosa sp), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Papillae are projections from epidermal cells and in the rose they are conical in shape. The papillae surface is often covered in a thin layer of wax to reduce water evaporation in the flower. Rose flower petals are soft to the touch due to the numerous and tightly packed papillae. The rose flower is the most common and widely cultivated garden flower in the world. It is appreciated for its fragrance and beauty since ancient times. Rose oil (attar of rose) is the steam-extracted essential oil from rose flowers that has been used in perfumes for centuries. Rose water, made from the rose oil, is widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Rose hips are occasionally made into jam or jelly , brewed for tea or used for their high Vitamin C content. Magnification: x295 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.