Why is the waxy cuticle on a leaf?

Answer 1

The wax cuticle covers the upper epidermis. The main task of the cuticle is to activate cuticular transpiration in a plant. Sometimes a very shiny cuticle may be present in a plant to minimize transpiration of the plant. It basically reflects back sunlight. These are the two main functions.

Answer 2

The waxy cuticle prevents the excessive transpiration from the leaves. However, the transpiration, a term for water evaporation from plants, can still occur through stomata. Without cuticle layer, the water will evaporates through the epidermis much more easily. The transpiration itself is an important factor that drives the water movement inside a plant. As a water in a leaf evaporates, the empty space left in the leaf will "pull" the water molecules from roots and stem. So, transpiration is needed but not too much.

Answer 3

The main function of the thin waxy outer layer of a leaf is for water loss prevention. The waxy layer is called the cuticle.