sapwood

views updated May 23 2018

sap·wood / ˈsapˌwoŏd/ • n. the soft outer layers of recently formed wood between the heartwood and the bark, containing the functioning vascular tissue.

sapwood

views updated Jun 08 2018

sapwood (alburnum) The outer wood of a tree trunk or branch. It consists of living xylem cells, which both conduct water and provide structural support. Compare heartwood.

sapwood

views updated May 18 2018

sapwood The active xylem cells, which are peripheral to the dead, woody centre of the trunks of trees. This part of the xylem is distinguished easily from the central heartwood by its colour.