Vedväxter

Vedväxter, or woody plants, are a category of perennial plants characterized by their production of wood as their structural tissue. This wood is a rigid material composed of secondary xylem, which provides support and allows the plant to grow taller and more robust than herbaceous plants. This characteristic allows them to live for many years, often decades or even centuries.

The primary distinction between woody and non-woody plants lies in their ability to undergo secondary growth, which leads to an increase in girth. This growth is facilitated by the vascular cambium, a layer of actively dividing cells. Woody plants include trees, shrubs, and vines. Trees are typically defined as large, perennial woody plants with a single, elongated stem or trunk, supporting branches and leaves. Shrubs are woody plants that are generally smaller than trees and often have multiple stems arising from the base. Vines are plants with stems that are weak and require external support to grow upright, often climbing on other plants or structures.

The presence of wood allows vedväxter to survive harsh environmental conditions, such as winter dormancy, by protecting their vital tissues from freezing and desiccation. The wood also plays a crucial role in water and nutrient transport from the roots to the rest of the plant. This adaptability and longevity make woody plants a dominant feature in many ecosystems worldwide, from forests to savannas.