Partially polarised light micrograph of a section through an oleander (Nerium oleander) leaf stained with Astra blue-Safranin. At top is the cuticle with the palisade parenchyma containing chloroplasts (greenish) below it. Below this is the spongy parenchyma and then the lower cuticle. At centre left is the central leaf vein, which contains the vascular bundles that transport water and nutrients around the plant. Lignin containing areas are stained red and appear bright in the polarised light. Magnification: x40 when printed at 15cm wide.