Transverse section of part of a stem of a Rush (Juncus sp.) showing aerenchyma
Rushes are monocots that live in wetlands such as bogs and marshes, and in damp woodlands. This section shows part of a stem of a Rush (Juncus sp.). Plants that are adapted to live in water or wet conditions are known as hydrophytes.
The stem is hollow and contains star-shaped (stellate) cells in a tissue called aerenchyma. The abundant air spaces in aerenchyma allow air to reach the root systems, which are usually submerged in waterlogged soil.
The stem is photosynthetic, with palisade tissue underneath the epidermis, interspersed with groups of fibres (red). Below this cortex are the scattered vascular bundles typical of a monocot.
The diameter of the large vascular bundle is about 170 µm.
Image by John Adds
Transverse section of part of a stem of a Rush (Juncus sp.) showing aerenchyma
Rushes are monocots that live in wetlands such as bogs and marshes, and in damp woodlands. This section shows part of a stem of a Rush (Juncus sp.). Plants that are adapted to live in water or wet conditions are known as hydrophytes.
The stem is hollow and contains star-shaped (stellate) cells in a tissue called aerenchyma. The abundant air spaces in aerenchyma allow air to reach the root systems, which are usually submerged in waterlogged soil.
The stem is photosynthetic, with palisade tissue underneath the epidermis, interspersed with groups of fibres (red). Below this cortex are the scattered vascular bundles typical of a monocot.
The diameter of the large vascular bundle is about 170 µm.
Image by John Adds