Bark structure of southern upland oaks

Abstract

Bark structure of eleven oak species commonly found on southern pine sites was examined and described. In inner bark (phloem), groups of thick-walled lignified fibers and sclereids are interspersed among thin-walled cellulosic elements (parenchyma, sieve tube members, and companion cells). These fibers and sclereids greatly influence the bark's density, hardness, and other physical and mechanical characteristics. The innermost periderm is the boundry between inner and outer bark. In outer bark (rhytidome), areas of collapsed, dead phloem are enclosed by periderm layers. Periderm shape and spacing vary greatly within speices. Great differences in exterior roughness and bark thickness also occur within species.

Citation

Howard, Elaine T. 1977. Bark structure of southern upland oaks. wood and Fiber, Vol. 9(3): 172-183