Evolutionary adaptation

In the course of evolution, leaves have adapted to different environments in the following ways:citation needed

• Waxy micro- and nanostructures on the surface reduce wetting by rain and adhesion of contamination (See Lotus effect).
• Divided and compound leaves reduce wind resistance and promote cooling.
• Hairs on the leaf surface trap humidity in dry climates and create a boundary layer reducing water loss.
• Waxy plant cuticles reduce water loss.
• Large surface area provides a large area for capture of sunlight.
• In harmful levels of sunlight, specialized leaves, opaque or partly buried, admit light through a translucent leaf window for photosynthesis at inner leaf surfaces (e.g. Fenestraria).
• Kranz leaf anatomy in plants who perform C4 carbon fixation
• Succulent leaves store water and organic acids for use in CAM photosynthesis.
• Aromatic oils, poisons or pheromones produced by leaf borne glands deter herbivores (e.g. eucalypts).
• Inclusions of crystalline minerals deter herbivores (e.g. silica phytoliths in grasses, raphides in Araceae).
• Petals attract pollinators.
• Spines protect the plants from herbivores (e.g. cacti).
• Stinging hairs to protect against herbivory, e.g. in Urtica dioica and Dendrocnide moroides (Urticaceae).
• Special leaves on carnivorous plants are adapted for trapping food, mainly invertebrate prey, though some species trap small vertebrates as well (see carnivorous plants).
• Bulbs store food and water (e.g. onions).
• Tendrils allow the plant to climb (e.g. peas).
• Bracts and pseudanthia (false flowers) replace normal flower structures when the true flowers are greatly reduced (e.g. spurges and spathes in the Araceae.