Leaf skeleton

Place a leaf on blotting paper and tap it carefully with a clothes brush, without pressing too hard or moving sideways. The leaf is perforated until only the skeleton remains, and you can see the fine network of ribs and veins.

The juicy cell tissue is driven out by the bristles and sucked up by the blotting paper. The ribs and veins consist of the firmer and slightly lignified framework and resist the brush.