Hidden inside some leaves are cells shaped like stars! Astrosclereids poke their pointy arms out in every direction to help hold the leaf up.
Drag to turn it around. Use the buttons to zoom in and try things from the lessons.
The 3D model can't load right now. Check your internet connection, or try a different web browser.
Astrosclereids (say it: ASS-tro-SKLAIR-ee-ids) are a kind of sclereid, a plant cell with a very thick, hard wall. "Astro" means star. Each one has a middle with long, pointy arms sticking out.
A famous place to find them is a water lily leaf, the round lily pad that floats on a pond. The leaf is full of big air spaces, and the star cells stick their arms right out into those spaces.
Press Spin the star on the 3D model to see its arms from every side.
The air spaces help a lily pad float, but lots of air could make the leaf floppy. The star-shaped cells are stiff, so they act like tiny braces that keep the leaf firm.
Their sharp, hard arms may also make the leaf less tasty to some hungry animals. Scientists think that is part of their job too.
Astrosclereids are dead when they are finished growing. Their hard star-shaped walls keep doing the job anyway!
By Nguzo Babies with Ms. Ashley. A fun video for kids.
Watch on YouTube →