The outer epidermal cell walls of the leaf blade of the licuri palm tr
ee were studied by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and
transmission electron microscopy, with special attention to the epicu
ticular waxes. On the intensely green adaxial surface, the wax adheres
in the form of a smooth, flexible, varnish-like layer. On the pruinos
e, dull, greenish or bluish abaxial side, the wax appears as a thin am
orphous layer from which rodlets and columns protrude. Very curved rod
lets, in compact rows, border each stoma, sometimes almost completely
closing its aperture. Numerous pores, not resolvable with the light mi
croscope, were detected in both cuticular membranes. Comments are pres
ented concerning the possible functions of several configurations of e
picuticular waxes.