• It's the number of teeny-tiny openings, called stomata, on a leaf's surface per unit area.
• To put it simply, imagine counting all the little windows on a big building! 🏢

They're too tiny for our eyes. So, we get help from a superhero - The Microscope!

• Leaf Peel Method

  • Some plants like Commelina and Tradescantia make it easy. You can peel off a piece of their skin (epidermis) and have a look under the microscope.
  • If you want to be a leaf surgeon, try tearing a leaf obliquely. This sometimes gives you a clean piece of epidermis!

• The Nail Polish Trick

  • This is not just for nail art! 💅
  • Paint a small leaf area (as long as it's smooth) with clear nail polish.
  • Once dry, peel it off and place it on a microscope slide.
  • It's like taking a fingerprint of the leaf - stomata and all!

• Move your microscope slide so you only see the leaf peel or polish print.
• Start counting the stomata. You can even play a fun game - "Spot the Stomata!"
• Want to calculate the stomatal density? Here's your formula:
  • Stomatal density (mm−2) = Mean number of stomata ÷ Area of field of view (mm^2).