sclereid

plant anatomy

Also known as: grit cell, stone cell

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

nut The hard shells of many nuts contain sclereids, which are a type of sclerenchyma cell.

Sclereids are a type of sclerenchyma cell found in plants. Sclerenchyma is a hard, supportive plant tissue made of cells with thick, lignified secondary walls. These cells are typically found in non-growing areas of plants, such as mature stems and bark.1

Sclereids are distinct from fibers, another type of sclerenchyma cell. Sclereids are highly variable in shape and can be found in various plant tissues, including periderm, cortex, pith, xylem, and phloem. They are also present in leaves and fruits and form the hard shells of nuts and the outer coats of seeds. Sclereids are responsible for the gritty texture found in fruits like pears and guavas. They are also known as stone cells.1

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pear
Physical description
…flesh, the so-called grit, or stone cells. In general, pear fruits are elongate, being narrow at the stem end and broader at the opposite end.
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…flesh, the so-called grit, or stone cells. In general, pear fruits are elongate, being narrow at the stem end and broader at the opposite end.
Read More