fibre

In plant anatomy, fibers are elongated cells with thick, lignified secondary walls that provide structural support. These cells are typically found in non-growing regions of plants, such as bark and mature stems. Fibers are a type of sclerenchyma tissue, which is one of the three fundamental ground tissues in plants, alongside parenchyma and collenchyma.12

Fibers are characterized by their long, tapering ends that interlock, offering maximum support. They can be found throughout the plant, including stems, roots, and vascular bundles in leaves. Many plant fibers, such as those from flax, hemp, and cotton, are significant sources for textiles and other manufactured goods. Sclereids, another type of sclerenchyma cell, are also important for plant structure, forming the hard shells of nuts and the outer coats of seeds.134