Many readers of this blog has encountered these; I certainly have, but I've never seen a macro photograph of them. Ponder what you think they might be, before seeing the answer below the fold...
These "trichomes" are projections on the surface of a cucumber; the little points are "40 times thinner than a sewing needle*" and contain cucurbitacin - a toxic substance that deters herbivores (and punishes gardeners who don't wear gloves).
* (I dislike phraseology that describes things as "X times smaller" or "X times less," but will defer discussion to some later date.
This photo received Honorable Mention at the 2011 International Science & Engineering Visual Challenge. Via The Guardian.
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