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.[1]

Cork cambium viewed under a microscope

There are several distinct kinds of cambium found in plant stems and roots:

Uses

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The cambium of many species of woody plants are edible;[2] however, due to its vital role in the homeostasis and growth of woody plants, this may result in death of the plant if enough cambium is removed at once. The cambium can generally be eaten raw or cooked, and can be ground to flour for use in baking.

References

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  1. ^ "Cambium - Dictionary of botany".
  2. ^ Holmes, Tao Tao (2016-05-20). "So You Want to Eat a Tree". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2022-05-08.