cambium
1 of 1noun/ˈkæm.biəm/
Forms:cambia
1
the inner layer of the periosteum
2
a layer of actively dividing cells in plants, responsible for secondary growth by producing new xylem and phloem tissues
- The vascular cambium in trees adds layers of wood and bark each year, contributing to trunk growth.
- Cork cambium produces cork cells in the outer bark of woody plants, providing protection and insulation.
- Cambium cells differentiate into xylem for water transport and phloem for nutrient transport throughout the plant.
- The activity of the cambium layer allows perennial plants to increase in girth and withstand environmental stresses.
- Botanists study cambium development to understand how plants adapt to changing climates and ecological conditions.