Brachysclereids (Stone Cells)

A cell like a tiny pebble

Brachysclereids are also called stone cells. They are short and roundish, a bit like little pebbles.

Their walls are super thick, built up in many layers, and made hard with lignin. Thin tunnels called pits run through the wall. When the cell is done growing, it dies, leaving only a tiny space in the middle.

You can find stone cells in pears, in walnut shells, and in the hard pits of peaches and cherries.

Making hard armor

Stone cells pack together to make hard shells that protect seeds. A walnut shell and a peach pit are built mostly from them.

In fruits like pears, small clusters of stone cells may help make the fruit tougher for some animals to munch.

Stone cell quiz