Bark refers to

Options

A. phellem + phellogen + phelloderm
B. periderm + cortex
C. phellem + phelloderm + secondary phloem
D. periderm + cortex + pericycle + secondary phloem

Answer

D

Explanation

Bark is a loose term and is used to define all the tissues outside vascular cambium. It is differentiated into outer bark or rhytidome (consisting of dead cells) and inner bark (of living cells, i.e., periderm, cortex, pericycle and secondary phloem). The outer layers of the bark are being constantly peeled off on account of the formation of new secondary vascular tissues in the interior. Bark is insect repellent, decay proof, fire-proof and acts as a heat screen.