phloem

/ˈfloʊˌɛm/
noun
  1. The tissue in plants that carries food (sugar and nutrients) from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
    • When a tree is damaged, the phloem can be disrupted, affecting the flow of nutrients.
    • Scientists study the phloem to understand how plants distribute energy.
    • The phloem transports sugars produced in the leaves down to the roots for storage.