ANATOMY of a HERBACEOUS DICOT STEM--Sunflower (Helianthus annus) with 2 VASCULAR BUNDLES, 50X - stock photo

ANATOMY of a HERBACEOUS DICOT STEM--Sunflower (Helianthus annus) with 2 VASCULAR BUNDLES, 50X. Herbaceous Dicot stems in cross section, have their vascular bundles arranged in a circle. The Vascular Bundles provide conduction and support to the stem. The Xylem tissue is seen near the bottom of the vascular bundle--the cell walls are stained red and surround a large space. Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals mostly from the roots to the leaves. This image also shows the Vascular Cambium (a lateral meristem) above the xylem. Above this is Phloem tissue that transports dissolved carbohydrates often downward from the leaves to the roots. Above the phloem and with red, stained cell walls is the Phloem Fiber Cap which provides support to strengthen the stem. Also, this image shows the epidermis, cortex and some of the pith.