A layer of cells that divide and differentiates into xylem and phloem and are responsible for growth. The cambium has several functions. In some plants, particularly the woody ones, it produces layers of xylem and phloem which enhances the stem’s diameter. While on other plants, the cambium acts as a healing agent. Additionally, it encourages the secondary growth of roots and stems.
A cambium (pl.: cambiums or cambia), in plants, is a tissue layer that provides partially undifferentiated cells for plant growth. It is found in the area between xylem and phloem. A cambium can also be defined as a cellular plant tissue from which phloem, xylem, or cork grows by division, resulting (in woody plants) in secondary thickening. It forms parallel rows of cells, which result in secondary tissues.
There are several distinct kinds of cambium found in plant stems and roots:
- Cork cambium, a tissue found in many vascular plants as part of the periderm.
- Unifacial cambium, which ultimately produces cells to the interior of its cylinder.
- Vascular cambium, a lateral meristem in the vascular tissue of plants.
English
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin cambium (“a change”), from Gaulish. Doublet of change.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈkambɪəm/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈkeə̯m.biˌəm/, /ˈkæm.biˌəm/
- Rhymes: -æmbiəm
Noun
cambium (countable and uncountable, plural cambiums or cambia)
- (botany) A layer of cells between the xylem and the phloem that is responsible for the secondary growth of roots and stems.
