FUNCTION OF A VASCULAR CAMBIUM IN EUDICOT STEM
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The vascular cambium is a type of meristem tissue located between the xylem and phloem in eudicot stems. It is responsible for producing and maintaining the secondary xylem and phloem in the stem, which allows for growth in diameter and the formation of woody tissue. The vascular cambium is a lateral meristem, meaning it grows outward from the center of the stem and is responsible for the increase in girth of the stem over time. As new cells are produced by the vascular cambium, they differentiate into either xylem or phloem tissues, which aid in the transport of water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. Without the vascular cambium, the stem would not be able to continue growing in diameter and would remain a relatively thin structure.