Cambium, in botany, is a crucial layer responsible for the secondary growth of vascular plants.
Understanding Cambium
Cambium refers to one of the plural forms: cambiums or cambia (pronounced ˈkam-bē-ə). It's essentially a thin, formative layer situated between the xylem and phloem in most vascular plants.
Cambium's Role: Secondary Growth
The primary function of cambium is to generate new cells, thereby facilitating secondary growth. This growth leads to an increase in the girth (width) of the plant stem and roots.
Location of Cambium
| Plant Tissue | Location Relative to Cambium |
|---|---|
| Xylem | Interior (towards the center of the stem/root) |
| Phloem | Exterior (towards the bark) |
How Cambium Works
Cambium cells divide to produce:
- Xylem cells on the inside, which transport water and minerals.
- Phloem cells on the outside, which transport sugars produced during photosynthesis.
This continuous production of new xylem and phloem cells is what allows trees and other woody plants to grow thicker over time.
