Compositional analysis of leaf cuticular membranes isolated from tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.)

► Tea cuticular membranes (CMs) of adaxial sides were heavy and rich in cutin, wax and polysaccharides. ► Tea CMs of abaxial sides were light and abundant in cutan. ► Yabukita had developed and heavy CMs while those of Samidori and Gokou were light. ► Epoxidized C18 monomer was rapidly deposited in CM at early leaf development. ► Tea leaves were highly adapted to maintain their CM under low light conditions.