Cross-section through Diospyrus plant stem, LM

Confocal micrograph of a cross-section through the stem from a Diospyrus plant. Vascular tissue (purple; carries water and nutrients around the plant) and cellulose (yellow; found in the cell wall which surrounds individual plant cells) is visible here. Plant tissue was stained with Safranin O and Fast Green. This genus contains over 500 species of plants and shrubs, many of which are a source of wood (for example ebony) or food (for example persimmon). Image created in collaboration with Jim Haseloff. Width of image is 200 micrometres.