lenticellen

Lenticellen are small pores or openings on the surface of the bark and the skins of some fruits in woody plants that enable gas exchange between internal tissues and the atmosphere. In many species these structures form where the cork cambium (phellogen) produces a region of loosely arranged parenchyma cells with many intercellular spaces that connect the inner tissues to the exterior, creating a porous spot through the periderm.

Appearance and location vary by species. Lenticels commonly appear as raised or sunken spots on stems, twigs, and other woody surfaces, and they can be round, oval, or elongated. On fruits such as apples and pears, lenticels show up as small, pale or brownish spots or patches on the skin. Their prominence is often greatest on young shoots or varieties with thicker bark.

Function and importance are tied to gas exchange. Lenticels provide an essential route for oxygen to reach living cells inside the plant and for carbon dioxide and water vapor to exit, particularly when the epidermis is replaced by a suberized periderm. This porosity helps support respiration and growth and can play a role in wound responses and tissue recovery.

Variation and practical considerations. The size, shape, and number of lenticels vary among species and environmental conditions. They can be affected by temperature, humidity, and mechanical damage. In horticulture and pathology, lenticels are sometimes involved in fruit quality issues or serve as entry points for pathogens, though they are a normal and widespread feature of many woody plants.