There is a Subterranean Rhizome.
Roots are not present at any stage of the life cycle.

The Apical Meristem is an
Apical Cell.

Irregular Dichotomous Branching occurs.

The Epidermis produces Hairs called Rhizoids. These have have a uniform distribution.

Individual Rhizoids may form Unicellular Filaments which act as Gemmae.

Mycorrhizal Fungi are present in the Cortex.

They pervade the Cortical Parenchyma cells & Increase the Absorptive System for the Rhizome by connecting it with external fungal hyphae.

The Cortex also has cells which Store Starch & contain Tannins.

An Endodermis with a Casparian Strip is present.

The Stele contains Phloem & Xylem.

It has a type of Protostele.

This includes a Haplostele or Actinostele.

Psilotum Rhizome System

Psilotum Rhizome Tip
Note the many Brown Hairs which are called Rhizoids.


Cross-section of Psilotum Rhizome with a Mycorrhizal Fungus. The Brown areas contain Fungal Hyphae.

Rhizome Cross Sections

High magnification view of the Stele and inner Cortex from the image above.

The Stele
is everything inside the Endodermis.

It always contans the vascular tissues, Xylem & Phloem.

A Parenchyma layer may be present as a buffer layer between the Endodermis and the Vascular Tissues.

This is called the Pericycle. Pericycle means around the wheel. The Wheel is the Vascular Cylinder.