Tree growth takes place in the ___ layer.

Tree growth takes place in the ___ layer.

• A. Bark
• B. Sapwood
• C. Cambium
• D. Phloem

Answer: (C)

Growth in trees happens in the cambium, a thin layer of actively dividing cells located between the xylem (wood) and the phloem (bark). This meristematic layer drives secondary growth, producing new xylem toward the inside and new phloem toward the outside each growing season. That’s what thickens the trunk and forms growth rings. Bark itself is outer protective tissue that includes phloem, while sapwood is the newer xylem produced by cambium that still conducts water. So, the cambium is the layer responsible for growth.

Growth in trees happens in the cambium, a thin layer of actively dividing cells located between the xylem (wood) and the phloem (bark). This meristematic layer drives secondary growth, producing new xylem toward the inside and new phloem toward the outside each growing season. That’s what thickens the trunk and forms growth rings. Bark itself is outer protective tissue that includes phloem, while sapwood is the newer xylem produced by cambium that still conducts water. So, the cambium is the layer responsible for growth.