How is the supply of vascular cambium maintained?

The supply of vascular cambium is maintained through several mechanisms:

1. Continuous Division of Cambial Cells:
   • Explanation: The vascular cambium consists of cambial initials, which are undifferentiated cells capable of continuous division. These cells divide to produce new cambial cells and derivatives that contribute to the formation of secondary xylem and phloem.
2. Activity of Cambial Initials:
   • Explanation: Cambial initials are the stem cells of the vascular cambium. Their sustained activity ensures the replenishment of cambial cells and supports ongoing secondary growth. These initials divide to form new cambial cells, which then differentiate into various types of vascular tissues.
3. Perpetual Addition of New Layers:
   • Explanation: As the tree grows, new layers of cambial cells are added. The cambium continues to function due to the addition of new cambial initials and the maintenance of the cambial zone, which persists throughout the life of the plant.
4. Interaction with Other Tissues:
   • Explanation: The vascular cambium maintains its function through interactions with adjacent tissues, such as the primary xylem and phloem. The cambium’s activity is influenced by the demand for additional vascular tissues and the physiological needs of the plant.

These processes ensure that the vascular cambium remains functional and continues to contribute to the plant’s secondary growth throughout its life.