Cork Cambium, Structure, Functions, Examples and Importance

Cork Cambium: As the stem thickens due to the vascular cambium, the outer layers of the cortex and epidermis break down and need to be replaced to maintain protection. This leads to the formation of cork cambium (or phellogen) in the outer cortical area.

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Cork Cambium Meaning

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Cork Cambium Phellogen

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Cork Cambium Structure

1. Phelloderm: This layer is found inside the cork cambium and consists of living parenchyma cells.
2. Phellogen (Cork Cambium): The cork cambium itself is a lateral meristem that facilitates secondary growth, replacing the epidermis in roots and stems. It produces cork cells, which help form the protective outer layers.
3. Phellem (Cork): The outermost layer, made up of dead cells when mature. The appearance of cork varies among species and can include smooth, fissured, tessellated, scaly, or flaking textures.

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Cork Cambium Function

1. Production of Cork and Secondary Cortex : It generates cork, a strong protective layer, and secondary cortex tissue.
2. Secondary Growth : It is responsible for secondary growth in roots and stems, replacing the epidermis.
3. Role as a Meristem : The cork cambium is a type of meristem, which is a tissue composed of embryonic cells that facilitate plant growth.
4. Protection Against Disease : It helps protect the plant from fungal and bacterial infections.
5. Water Retention : It prevents water loss through the bark.
6. Periderm Tissue Production : The cork cambium produces periderm tissue, which includes cork and other protective layers.

Cork Cambium Examples

1. Oak Trees (Quercus spp.): Produces rugged bark.
2. Pine Trees (Pinus spp.): Forms thick, protective bark.
3. Cork Oak (Quercus suber): Harvested for its cork, a renewable resource.
4. Birch Trees (Betula spp.): Produces distinctive, peeling white bark.
5. Rubber Trees (Hevea brasiliensis): Contributes to the bark, important for latex production.

Cork Cambium Importance

1. Production of Cork Cells : The primary function of cork cambium is to produce cork cells outwardly and phelloderm cells inwardly. Cork cells are dead at maturity and contain suberin, a waterproof substance that makes them impermeable to gases and water. This helps in protecting the plant from desiccation, mechanical injury, and pathogens.
2. Bark Formation : Together with the secondary phloem (inner bark) and the cork cells it produces, cork cambium forms the bark of the plant. Bark serves as a protective layer that shields the plant from physical damage, herbivores, and pathogens. It also helps regulate water loss and gas exchange.
3. Adaptation to Environment : Cork cambium allows plants to adapt to various environmental conditions, particularly in harsh climates where protection against extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and water loss is crucial. The thickened cork layers formed by the activity of cork cambium provide insulation and protection.
4. Secondary Growth : Unlike primary growth, which involves the elongation of plant parts, secondary growth leads to an increase in girth. Cork cambium, along with vascular cambium, contributes to this radial growth by producing additional layers of tissues outwardly and inwardly.
5. Commercial and Economic Importance : Cork cambium is of significant economic value in industries such as cork production. Cork obtained from the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber) is widely used for manufacturing bottle stoppers, flooring, and insulation materials due to its unique properties.
6. Healing Wounds : When the plant undergoes injury or damage, cork cambium plays a role in wound healing. It produces new cork cells to seal off wounds, preventing pathogens from entering and causing infections. This process is essential for the plant's survival and health.

Cork Cambium vs Vascular Cambium