Xylem Parenchyma Cells (Living Wood Cells)

Alive among the pipes

The xylem is the plant's water pipe system. Most of its cells are dead and hollow. Xylem parenchyma (say it: ZY-lem pa-RENK-ih-ma) cells are different. They stay alive, with a nucleus and thin walls.

Some of them run up and down the stem, next to the pipes. Others form rays: rows of cells that run from the middle of the trunk out toward the bark, like the spokes of a bike wheel.

The tree's pantry

Xylem parenchyma cells store food, mostly as starch. In many trees they fill up in summer and fall. In spring, the tree uses that stored food to grow new leaves.

Ray cells also carry food and water sideways, across the trunk, so every part of the wood can get what it needs.

Xylem parenchyma quiz