What would produce this?

[Lilly Begonia]

[photomicro]

I reckon it is a spiral vessel of xylem, so part of a plant. The walls of these have spiral thickening to give strength.

[Lilly Begonia]

I reckon it is a spiral vessel of xylem, so part of a plant. The walls of these have spiral thickening to give strength.

Thank you, I'll be looking that up. I'm finding out how much I don't know.

[mrsonchus]

Definitely looks like xylem lignified secondary-wall to me also....

[Lilly Begonia]

Definitely looks like xylem lignified secondary-wall to me also....

I think you are right, I Googled xylem and the images mirror this pretty well. I have to say it was a most interesting image I didn't expect. But then I'm finding a lot I didn't expect going into this.

[mrsonchus]

Definitely looks like xylem lignified secondary-wall to me also....

I think you are right, I Googled xylem and the images mirror this pretty well. I have to say it was a most interesting image I didn't expect. But then I'm finding a lot I didn't expect going into this.

Haha! You've already started to discover the sheer fun of microscopy - you're in for a real treat my friend - so much to see and in which to become interested!

The icing-on-the-cake is this excellent forum - packed with very knowledgeable and helpful folk that share a passion!

Good hunting! John B.