Leaf from Araucaria Araucana (monkey puzzle tree), LM

Confocal micrograph of a leaf from Araucaria Araucana, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree. Araucaria Araucana are evergreen trees from the southern hemisphere which have triangular shaped leaves. Cell walls (red; stained with Safranin O and Fast Green) which surround individual plant cells are visible here. The seeds from the tree are an ancient staple food in the diet of the Pehuenche people in Chile. These trees were heavily felled for their timber but they are now listed as endangered. They are also home to the slender-billed parakeet and over 70 types of insects. Image created in collaboration with Jim Haseloff. Width of image is 1 mm.