Shiny leaf (cuticle)

When I was a sophomore, I made a creative project in which I added these pictures of a rubber tree leaf to give reference to a monster's tough skin. 

Well for this post, I explain what these pictures are and what its function is. 

rubber tree leaf 40X

 

From the rubber tree leaf, the shining outer layer of it is called the cuticle. 

A cuticle is basically the covering of the epidermis, protecting it from the outside environment 

(which is why it is so hard).

rubber tree leaf 100X

 

 

 

Now as you are all wondering, why is the cuticle so shiny?

The cuticle's primary reason for being on the outer layer of the leaf 

is to prevent water loss as best as it could. 

*The cuticle is waxy* thus explaining why the rubber tree leaf has a shiny external layer.

rubber tree leaf 400X