Cambium

What Does Cambium Mean?

Cambium refers to the slender plant membrane located right underneath the bark of a woody tree or plant.

The cambium has several functions. In woody plants, it produces layers of xylem and phloem, consequently enhancing the stem’s diameter. It also encourages the secondary growth of roots and stems. In some plants, the cambium acts as a healing agent.

Maximum Yield Explains Cambium

In injured plants the cambium may form inside the callus tissues, hence promoting the growth of new cells across the injured surface. Roots and stems normally include three main different types of cambium: vascular cambium, unifacial cambium, and cork cambium.

The vascular cambium is the primary cambium that contains meristem cells, which can produce fresh secondary vascular tissues. In contrast to the phloem and xylem, the vascular cambium does not transport any food, minerals or water across the stem and throughout the plant. While the vascular cambium is commonly found in gymnosperms and dicots, they are not usually found in monocots since these do not engage in secondary growth.

The lifespan of cambium varies according to the plant species. For example, in perennial woody trees and plants, the cambium can live until the plant dies.