phelloderm
/ˈfɛloʊˌdɜrm/
noun
- A layer of living cells inside the bark of woody plants, formed by the cork cambium.
- Scientists studied the phelloderm to understand how trees recover from bark damage.
- In the tree trunk, the phelloderm lies just beneath the cork layer.
- The phelloderm stores nutrients and helps the tree heal after injury.