The epidermis is the outermost layer of plant leaves and is composed of tightly packed cells that form a protective barrier. The waxy layer, also known as the cuticle, is a thin, waxy coating that covers the epidermis and helps to reduce water loss and protect the leaf from environmental stresses.
While the cuticle is an important component of the leaf's structure, it is typically much thinner than the epidermis. The epidermis can be several cell layers thick, while the cuticle is usually only a few microns thick.
