Trichosclereids (Hair-Thin Cells)

A hair hiding in a leaf

Trichosclereids (say it: TRICK-oh-SKLAIR-ee-ids) are a kind of sclereid, a plant cell with a very thick, hard wall. "Tricho" means hair. These cells are very long and thin, and some of them branch.

A well-known place to find them is in an olive leaf. They grow in between the soft green cells and stretch through the leaf, often running from the top side toward the bottom side.

Keeping leaves stiff

Trichosclereids are dead when they are finished growing, but their hard walls stay. They work a bit like the steel rods builders put inside concrete. They help the leaf stay stiff and tough.

Olive trees often grow in hot, dry places. A tough leaf can hold its shape even when it is short on water.

Trichosclereid quiz