What Are Lenticels?
Lenticels are the tree's breathing pores - tiny openings in the bark that allow the living tissue underneath to exchange gases with the outside air.
Appearance
Visual Characteristics
- Shape: Usually oval, round, or elongated
- Color: Often lighter than surrounding bark (tan, white, or gray)
- Size: Range from barely visible dots to 1cm long
- Pattern: Can be scattered, horizontal lines, or vertical rows
Texture
- Raised: Often slightly swollen or bumpy
- Rough: Cork-like texture
- Variable: Change appearance as bark ages
Function
Gas Exchange
- Oxygen intake: Living cells in trunk need oxygen
- CO2 release: Respiration products must escape
- Replaces stomata: After bark forms, stomata are lost
Adaptation
- Number increases: More lenticels in oxygen-poor conditions
- Size varies: Larger in wet environments
- Waterlogged response: Can expand dramatically if roots flooded
Identification Value
Diagnostic Features
Different tree species have characteristic lenticel patterns:
- Birch: Prominent horizontal lenticels
- Cherry: Horizontal, cork-like lenticels
- Indio Desnudo: Conspicuous white lenticels on smooth reddish bark
Common in Costa Rica
Indio Desnudo (Bursera simaruba)
The famous "tourist tree" with peeling red bark is covered in prominent white lenticels that stand out dramatically.
Guayabo (Psidium guajava)
Smooth bark with scattered raised lenticels.
Interesting Facts
- Name origin: Named for their resemblance to lentils
- Age indicator: Lenticel patterns can help age trees
- Flooding indicator: Swollen lenticels suggest waterlogged roots
- Always present: All woody plants have lenticels once bark forms