törzsfa

Törzsfa is the term used to refer to the trunk of a tree in Hungarian. It is the main vertical axis that supports the crown and contains the tissues responsible for transporting water and nutrients between roots and shoots. The trunk also stores carbohydrates and other resources that contribute to a tree’s growth and resilience.

Anatomy and tissues: The outer layer is the bark, which protects the trunk. Underneath lies the vascular system, including the cambium that generates new phloem and xylem. The inner wood is divided into sapwood, which conducts water and nutrients, and heartwood, which provides mechanical strength and often stores reserves. The central region may house a pith or medullary rays, depending on the species.

Growth and variation: The trunk thickens as a tree ages, and in many species growth rings reveal annual or seasonal patterns. Trunk diameter is a common measure of size, examples being the diameter at breast height. Trunk form varies with species, climate, and site conditions; some trees develop buttresses, fluted surfaces, or irregular taper, while others maintain a more uniform cylindrical shape. Damage, pests, or disease can alter trunk integrity and function.

Ecological and practical significance: The trunk is central to a tree’s structural stability and wood production. It serves as a conduit for water and nutrients, storage of carbohydrates, and habitat for organisms. In forestry and timber industries, trunk dimensions and quality influence harvest planning, yield estimation, and product value.