Leaves are the main part of the plant for photosynthesis. Its adaptation varies depending on what kind of plant and where the plant is located. Few of the leaves adaptation for photosynthesis are broad or thin leaves (shape of the leaf), number or what kind of chloroplasts present, number of stomata, presence or absence of trichomes, and how thick the waxy cuticle of the leaf is. Other unique adaptations of the leaf are the needle-like leaves of coniferous trees, which have sunken stomata and small surface area to reduce water loss, and succulent leaves and spines of cacti, which help conserve and store water.
To further explain, a broad leaf means a large surface area available for absorption of sunlight while a thin leaf makes the exchange of gases in and out of the leaf easier. The number or the kind of chloroplast present will determine how efficient the plant will be in absorbing the right wavelength of light to produce energy. The number of stomata will determine how much gases go in and out of the leaf. More stomata are present under the leaf than on the upper surface because it prevents the evaporation of too much water. The presence of trichomes will help plants prevent herbivory and reduce evaporation of water out of the plant. The thickness of the cuticle will help in reducing the evaporation of water out of the plant, and for aquatic plants, it repels water making them float.