Leaf trichomes can alleviate water deficit stress and maintain diurnal photosynthesis by increasing leaf wetness and water absorption in Metrosideros polymorpha

Leaves frequently become wet throughout their lifetime, and leaf wetting affects the physiological activities of leaves. Leaf trichomes, which are often observed in plants inhabiting dry areas, may prolong the duration of leaf wetness and increase foliar water uptake (FWU), thereby contributing to g