shows a transverse section of a Cycas leaflet (pinna). It has a number of anatomical peculiarities. Some of these are xerophytic characteristics. The general internal organization of tissues is similar to a dorsoventral leaf. The upper epidermis has a thick cuticle but without stomata. The lower epidermis has a thin cuticle and depressed, protected stomata. Sclerenchymatous hypodermis is present under the entire upper epidermis but is restricted to the midrib region of the lower epidermis. Mesophyll tissue is differentiated into upper palisade and lower spongy mesophyll. A special tissue present in the lamina is called transfusion tissue and is located in between the palisade and spongy mesophyll. It extends laterally from the midrib into the lamina on either side and helps in lateral conduction in the absence of lateral veins. The vascular bundle of the midrib is conjoined and collateral with phloem towards the lower and xylem towards the upper epidermis. It is enclosed in a parenchymatous bundle sheath. The xylem is triangular in shape. It is mesarch with centripetal and centrifugal metaxylem.