Dicot stem is covered with a thin layer of cuticle, it may bear trichomes (epidermal hairs) and a few stomata. Trichomes help in preventing water loss due to transpiration. The outer hypodermis, consists of a few layers of collenchymatous cells just below the epidermis, which provide mechanical strength to the young stem. The innermost layer of the cortex is called the endodermis. The cells of the endodermis are rich in starch grains and the layer is also referred to as the starch sheath. Pericycle is present on the inner side of the endodermis and above the phloem in the form of semi-lunar patches of sclerenchyma.