The sclérenchyme is a fabric of support of the higher plants. It is composed of cells which one describes as sclerous. These cells, whose functionality is acquired after their death, have the characteristic to have a secondary wall thickened (rigidified) and lignified (waterproofed). The sclérenchyme is thus a fabric of support more rigid than the Collenchyme.

The proofing of the cell, results in the death of the cellular contents.

The sclérenchyme thus appears in the bodies of the plant where the growth in length ceased. Once the sclerous cell died, its rigid wall always remains and takes part in the support of the plant.