Eleagnus species (silverberry or oleaster) are mostly native to Asia. The underside of the leaves are covered with leaf scales which give them a silvery appearance. Scales are present on the upper surface of leaves in fewer numbers. These scales may reduce evaporation and act as a defence against grazing. This image was part of a series of micrographs of plant structures which I photographed using polarised light microscopy.

Commended - Macro Art