The Role of Lenticels in Tree Bark

The Role of Lenticels in Tree Bark

What Are Lenticels?

Lenticels are small, often oval or elongated pores that appear on the bark of many woody plants. These tiny openings may not look like much, but they play an essential role in keeping a tree alive. Just like leaves have stomata to help them “breathe,” tree bark has lenticels. Through these structures, trees exchange gases—taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. This process supports vital internal functions, especially in tissues just beneath the bark.

How to Spot Lenticels

Lenticels can be easy to miss, but once you know what to look for, they start to stand out. On some species, like birch and cherry trees, lenticels appear as distinct horizontal lines or raised dots. In others, they may be harder to notice or blend in with the bark’s natural texture. Even twigs often have visible lenticels. These pores might be brown, white, or a contrasting color depending on the species and age of the bark.

Why Trees Need Them

Unlike leaves, bark doesn’t photosynthesize. Still, the tissues beneath the bark stay alive and require oxygen. Lenticels make it possible for gases to move through the otherwise tough, protective bark. Without them, a tree’s inner tissues could not “breathe.” This exchange supports everything from basic cell function to the tree’s ability to grow and heal.

Not Just for Looks

Lenticels aren’t there just for appearance—though they can be quite striking. Their shape, color, and size can help with species identification. However, changes in lenticels can also signal stress or disease. Swollen, sunken, or discolored lenticels might be worth a closer look from a qualified arborist.

More Than Just Bark

While we mostly notice lenticels on tree trunks and branches, they’re also found on fruits like apples and pears. In these cases, they serve the same basic purpose: allowing gas exchange between internal tissues and the air. So, whether you’re looking at bark or fruit, lenticels are doing quiet but important work.

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