Resource Database


Resource Number: 17121
Title: Secondary Tree Growth Increments: Ring Development & Forms
Description: Trees attempt to occupy more space and control available resources through cell divisions and cell expansion. From the end of a shoot tip to the end of a root tip, trees elongate. Along this axis of growth, trees also expand radially, which is termed “secondary growth.” Tree growth is initiated in the shoot tips (growing points / buds), root tips, vascular cambium (i.e. or simply cambium), and phellogen which generates the periderm. The first two meristems are primary generation systems and the second two are termed secondary meristems. Cambial activity and xylem formation, visible as increases in growth increment volume, is radial growth, and reviewed here. The secondary meristem phellogen, sometimes generically referred to as the cork cambium, will not be discussed here although it does increase tree diameter.
Last Updated: July 7, 2021
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tree anatomy

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