The structure and functions of collenchyma are:
- It is simple non-lignified mechanical tissue or without intercellular spaces and originated from the ground meristem.
- It is polygonal, spherical, or elongated with pointed or rounded ends.
- The cell walls unevenly thicken and are rich in pectin and hemicellulose.
- It is found in the hypodermis of the herbaceous stem and dicot leaf.
- It may contain chloroplast and perform photosynthesis.
- Depending on the deposition of pectin in an intercellular space collenchyma may be angular (stem of Tagetus), lamellar (stem of Helianthus), and Lacunar or tubular (e.g. stem of Cucurbita)
- It provides mechanical support to stem and provides the flexibility of organs (e.g. tendrils)