Tilia Stem Cross Section

    Better known as the linden tree, the tilia plant is an example of a woody eudicot. So, while it has all the typical characteristics of eudicots, the stem structure has some differences that allow it to support the weight and secondary growth of a tree. The secondary growth thickens the stem and produces distinct rings of tissue. It is these rings that we count when calculating the age on a cut-down tree. 

The bottom half of the photo shows the pith, which is composed of parenchyma cells and stores water and sugars. 

Here you can see 3 distinct rings, indicating that this tilia stem is 3 years old. The ring closest to the pith is the primary xylem; the rest of the rings are the secondary xylem. 

This dark green section to the right is the phloem. 

The primary phloem is closer to the epidermis.  

Objective: 4x (previous 7 photos)

Objective: 10x (previous 3 photos)

The tilia plant has a thick woody epidermis. 

Objective: 40x (previous 2 photos)