What kinds of environmental factors might influence a tree's growth?

Question

How does the thin, waxy layer present outside of the tree's cork help the cork function?

Which part of the tree's root produces new tissue?

Which part of the root serves as the support stem?

Answer 1

1. A tree's growth is influenced by amount of rainfall, temperature, sunlight, crowding, insect damage, predators, pollution, ...
2. The cork is a protective layer that helps keep water inside the tree and keep bacteria, insects, etc. out. The waxy layer helps with preventing water loss.

3. Several parts of the tree's root produce new tissue: The vascular cambium produces new xylem and phoem, the cork cambium produces new cork, and the apical meristem in the root tip produces new cells to add to the length of the roots.

4. The vascular tissue, particularly the xylem, supports the shoot system of the tree.