tension wood
Quick Summary
Tension wood is a type of reaction wood found on the upper side of tree branches and leaning trunks. It is characterized by narrower, thinner-walled wood and fiber elements. This type of wood experiences excessive longitudinal shrinkage and can collapse when drying.1
In hardwoods, tension wood forms on the upper side of the lower trunk and exerts a contractive force, helping to pull the tree upright. While the name might suggest it's due to tension, it's actually a morphogenetic phenomenon. Tension wood fibers can have a specialized, lignin-devoid layer that makes the wood fuzzy when cut. Lumber from tension wood may warp and shrink more than normal wood.2
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angiospermSecondary vascular system…there is eccentric growth of tension wood on the upper surface; tension wood is a type of reaction wood found in angiosperms that contains gelatinous fibers which shrink and pull.
Read More…there is eccentric growth of tension wood on the upper surface; tension wood is a type of reaction wood found in angiosperms that contains gelatinous fibers which shrink and pull.
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angiospermTransport and plant growth…lower side (in conifers) or tension wood on the upper side (in eudicotyledons) in response to a hormone; the stem responds by pushing (in conifers) or pulling (in eudicotyledons) itself upright. Transport of growth-regulating substances is thus largely responsible for the characteristic shape of each plant species.
Read More…lower side (in conifers) or tension wood on the upper side (in eudicotyledons) in response to a hormone; the stem responds by pushing (in conifers) or pulling (in eudicotyledons) itself upright. Transport of growth-regulating substances is thus largely responsible for the characteristic shape of each plant species.
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treeWood adaptations…the reaction wood is called tension wood and forms on the upper side of the lower trunk and exerts a contractive force that tends to pull the tree toward the upright position. In hardwoods there is generally less eccentricity associated with tension wood, but the annual rings may be wider.…
Read More…the reaction wood is called tension wood and forms on the upper side of the lower trunk and exerts a contractive force that tends to pull the tree toward the upright position. In hardwoods there is generally less eccentricity associated with tension wood, but the annual rings may be wider.…
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