A type of plant tissue made of living cells with thickened cell walls that provides support and flexibility to young plant stems and leaves.
From Greek 'kolla' (glue) and 'engkhyma' (tissue infusion). The term was coined by plant biologists in the 19th century to describe this distinctive tissue type.
Collenchyme is why celery stalks are so flexible yet strong—the cells have thickened walls arranged in straps and rings that give the plant structural support without being rigid like wood, making it bend without breaking.
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