What does lenticel mean?
A lenticel is a small pore in the bark of a woody plant. Unlike the microscopic stomata found mainly on leaves, lenticels are generally visible to the naked eye and often have a lens-like shape, which explains their name. They enable oxygen to enter the plant and carbon dioxide and water vapour to escape, continuing the gas exchange needed for respiration and photosynthesis when the ordinary pores of the leaves are unavailable. Lenticels are especially evident on the bark of young trees and can also occur on some fruits. The term is technical but useful because it identifies the specialized structures that make woody stems and branches functional parts of a plant’s respiratory system.
nounA small, usually lens-shaped opening in the bark of woody plants that allows gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour to pass between the plant and the surrounding air.
- A small, usually lens-shaped opening in the bark of woody plants, functioning as a passage for gas exchange.
"The tree's bark was covered with lenticels, through which the leaves could exchange gases with the atmosphere."
"Lenticels are especially visible on the smooth bark of young trees."
"The lenticels of the branch allow oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to escape."
The standard plural is used for the numerous bark openings found on woody stems, branches, and trunks.
"The bark of the young tree bears many conspicuous lenticels."
Lenticels are the breathing holes of woody plants, allowing gas exchange through bark that is otherwise too tough for ordinary pores.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lenticel come from?
The word comes from Latin lens, meaning “lens,” through a diminutive form meaning “little lens.” Its name refers to the typically lens-shaped appearance of these openings. The root also appears in related words such as lens, lenticular, and lentil.
How lenticel is actually used
This is primarily a botanical term. It is usually used in the plural, and it refers to bark structures rather than the microscopic pores called stomata.
Easily confused with lenticel
Lenticels are pores in woody bark, whereas stomata are mainly microscopic pores in leaves and other young plant tissues.