Xylem Vessel Collection

Lime tree stem, light micrograph
Lime tree stem. Light micrograph of a section through the stem of a lime tree (Tilia europaea). The outer epidermis has been shed and replaced by a layer of cork (dark red)

Section through leaf of marram grass
Marram grass leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a transverse section through a leaf of marram grass, Ammophila arenaria

Holly stem xylem vessels SEM
Holly stem xylem vessels (Ilex aquifolium), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Magnification x1700 at 10cm wide

Wheat leaf, light micrograph
Wheat leaf. Light micrograph of a section through a leaf from a common wheat (Triticum aestivum) plant. The vascular bundle (centre to upper centre), or vein

African teak woody stem, light micrograph
African teak woody stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through the stem of an African teak (Pericopsis elata) plant, showing its diffuse-porous xylem tissue

Beech tree stem, light micrograph
Beech tree stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through the woody stem of a common beech tree (Fagus sylvatica), showing diffuse-porous xylem vessels (dark blue)

Sweet pea stem, light micrograph
Sweet pea stem. Light micrograph of a section through the hollow stem of a sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) plant, showing a ring of vascular bundles

African mahogany stem, light micrograph
African mahogany stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through the stem of an African mahogany (Khaya sp.) tree. The multicoloured cells are fibres, and fibre tracheids, which carry water

African teak stem, light micrograph
African teak stem. Light micrograph of a section through the woody stem of an African teak (Pericopsis elata) plant, showing its diffuse-porous xylem tissue

Lilac stem, light micrograph
Lilac stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the young woody stem of a lilac (Fraxinus excelsior) tree. The thick epidermis (solid green) is being sloughed (pushed/broken)

Ash stem, light micrograph
Ash stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the woody stem of an ash (Fraxinus excelsior) tree showing four growth rings (concentric circles)

Elder tree stem, light micrograph
Elder tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the very young woody stem of an elder (Sambuca nigra) tree

Birch stem, light micrograph
Birch stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the woody stem of a birch (Betula alba) tree, showing a portion of the xylem including some of the pith (bottom left)

Section through wood of coast Redwood

Mistletoe stem, light micrograph
Mistletoe stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a mistletoe (Viscum album) plant. The epidermis (outer layer)

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Xylem vessels, the intricate highways of plant life, transport water and nutrients throughout various parts of a plant. From the lime tree stem to the holly stem, these vessels can be observed under different microscopic techniques. Under a light micrograph, the xylem vessels in a lime tree stem reveal their delicate structure. They appear as thin tubes interconnected like an elaborate network, ensuring efficient transportation within the plant. Moving on to holly stems, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides a closer look at xylem vessels. The SEM image showcases their intricate patterns and reinforces their role as conduits for water and minerals. A section through the leaf of marram grass unveils yet another fascinating aspect of xylem vessels. This cross-section reveals how they extend from roots all the way up to leaves, enabling plants to thrive even in harsh environments. Returning to holly stems with SEM imaging once again highlights their unique features. The high-resolution image captures every detail of these vascular structures that are vital for sustaining plant growth and survival. Maize stems also exhibit well-defined xylem vessels when observed under a light microscope. Their arrangement is reminiscent of tiny pipelines running parallel along the length of the stem. The root system is not exempt from showcasing impressive xylem vessel networks either. A light micrograph of Smilax roots displays these essential pathways responsible for transporting water upwards towards other parts of the plant. In wheat leaves captured by another light micrograph, we witness yet another example where xylem vessels play a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration levels within plants' foliage. Revisiting maize stems through additional light micrographs further emphasizes how prevalent and diverse these vascular tissues are across different species. Each image offers its own unique perspective into this complex network found within plants' inner workings. Sunflower stems also boast prominent xylem vessel arrangements when examined closely under a light microscope. These images provide valuable insights into the intricate system that supports the growth and development of these vibrant flowers.