Question

Trunks of some of the aged tree species appear to be composed of several fused trunks. Is it a physiological or anatomical abnormality? Explain in detail.

Answer 1

The trunks of some of aged trees appear to be composed of several fused trunks due to the secondary growth. Due to extensive secondary growth in stems, the stems continue to grow and get fused. Secondary growth occurs in dicot plants. It occurs due to activity of vascular cambium which produces new cells towards the outside and inside of the stem. The stem becomes thicker and becomes a trunk. Many trunks get fused during secondary growth. Hence, the fused trunks are due to anatomical abnormality of secondary growth.