barken

Barken is the definite form of the noun bark in Swedish and Norwegian, referring to the outer covering of a tree or other plant. In English, the word is rarely used except in translations or in Scandinavian linguistic contexts. In botanical terms, bark comprises the periderm and, in many trees, the living inner bark that lies beneath the outer protective layers.

Bark consists of multiple layers. The inner bark, or phloem, conducts sugars and other products from leaves toward the rest of the tree. The outer bark, or periderm, includes the cork (phellem), cork cambium (phellogen), and phelloderm; most of the outer bark is composed of dead cells that provide protection and reduce water loss.

Several substances from bark have long histories of use. Willow bark contains salicin and has been used for pain relief; cinchona bark yields quinine; cinnamon bark is a widely used spice; birch bark has been used for canoes, containers, and traditional remedies; cork bark from the cork oak is used for stoppers and insulation. Bark also plays a significant ecological role, forming a barrier against insects and disease and contributing to a tree’s resilience to environmental stress.

In forestry and botany, bark characteristics such as thickness, texture, and chemical composition are important for species identification, pest management, and fit for various industrial applications. Bark can be damaged by fire, weather, or pests, with potential impacts on a tree’s growth and health. See also tree bark, periderm, cork.