LGP B-4 Observing Fern Rhizomes
Jun 11, 2025 • 8:11 PM UTC
India
340x Magnification
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Myra S
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Recently, I had the opportunity to observe a fern rhizome under the Foldscope 2.0, and the results, especially at different magnifications, were nothing short of mesmerising.
The fern rhizome section was thinly sliced and stained to bring out contrast in cell structures. The sample was mounted on a slide sealed with a coverslip for stability.
40x Magnification
At this low magnification, only the general structure of the rhizome is visible. The view is primarily about orientation and patterns rather than fine detail.
A clear circular outline defined the entire section.
There were alternating bands of pink and blue stained cells, which might indicate differences in tissue type.
The core displayed a slightly denser coloration of a deep purple, but fine details were not yet distinguishable.
The fern rhizome section was thinly sliced and stained to bring out contrast in cell structures. The sample was mounted on a slide sealed with a coverslip for stability.
40x Magnification
At this low magnification, only the general structure of the rhizome is visible. The view is primarily about orientation and patterns rather than fine detail.
A clear circular outline defined the entire section.
There were alternating bands of pink and blue stained cells, which might indicate differences in tissue type.
The core displayed a slightly denser coloration of a deep purple, but fine details were not yet distinguishable.
140x Magnification
This intermediate magnification provided a clearer view of individual cell groups and arrangements.
The most striking feature was a central infinity-shaped mass of dark purple stained cells, located symmetrically in the middle of the rhizome.
These were surrounded by smaller, lighter blue cells forming a ring-like zone around the core.
A distinguishable cortex layer started becoming visible, and the cell walls were more defined, especially in the surrounding tissue.
This intermediate magnification provided a clearer view of individual cell groups and arrangements.
The most striking feature was a central infinity-shaped mass of dark purple stained cells, located symmetrically in the middle of the rhizome.
These were surrounded by smaller, lighter blue cells forming a ring-like zone around the core.
A distinguishable cortex layer started becoming visible, and the cell walls were more defined, especially in the surrounding tissue.
340x Magnification
At the highest magnification available via the Foldscope 2.0, deep cellular detail was more apparent.
The infinity core revealed itself to be a complex cluster of thick-walled, tightly packed cells.
Around it, the blue-stained cells appeared to be thin-walled, round, and loosely arranged, some with dark centres from possible dye residue.
The alternating bands of blue and pink became prominent rows of distinct cell types. Some pink cells had elongated shapes, while others were circular or even polygonal.
In one image, you can clearly see the vascular core shaped like a sideways 8, with intense staining.
Another image captures a transition zone between dark-stained core tissues and the lighter outer ground tissue.
At the highest magnification available via the Foldscope 2.0, deep cellular detail was more apparent.
The infinity core revealed itself to be a complex cluster of thick-walled, tightly packed cells.
Around it, the blue-stained cells appeared to be thin-walled, round, and loosely arranged, some with dark centres from possible dye residue.
The alternating bands of blue and pink became prominent rows of distinct cell types. Some pink cells had elongated shapes, while others were circular or even polygonal.
In one image, you can clearly see the vascular core shaped like a sideways 8, with intense staining.
Another image captures a transition zone between dark-stained core tissues and the lighter outer ground tissue.
This exploration not only taught me about plant tissue types but also made me appreciate the complexity of something as simple as a fern root. It’s truly a whole new universe under the lens.
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