Stem
Dicot stem
Monocot stem
Epidermis
It covers other tissues protecting them from drying since they are covered with a waxy cuticle which prevents loss of water.
Cortex
Forms packaging tissues and maintains firmness and shape in stems.
The cortex is made of various types of tissues:
(a) Parenchyma tissues – for food and water storage.
(b) Collenchyma tissues – they have walls thickened by cellulose and pectin deposits to offer support.
(c) Sclerenchyma tissues – have lignified walls which offer support.
Cambium
Found between xylem and phloem.
It is meristematic and gives rise to new xylem and phloem tissues.
Pith
It is made of loosely packed parenchyma cells which store water and food for the plant.
Vascular bundles
Comprise of xylem and phloem tissues.
In monocot stems, the vascular bundles are scattered.
In dicot stems, the vascular bundles are arranged in a ring.
