Phellem (Noun)
Meaning
(botany) outer tissue of bark; a protective layer of dead cells.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The phellem serves as a physical barrier to prevent water loss in the tree, helping it survive the dry seasons.
- As the new growth occurs, older phellem layers tend to crack and fall off the tree.
- Trees like oaks often have thick layers of phellem that can grow up to several centimeters thick.
- With the change of seasons, the outer layer of phellem dehydrates, becoming harder and protective of the underlying tissues.
- The pattern of dead cells in the phellem forms unique structures visible under magnification.