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The trunk of a tree is a slight modification of the stem of a regular shrub.

As trees are larger than shrubs the trunk has to provide structural support for the leaves and branches (canopy).

Trunks are normally covered with bark which offers protection to the delicate network of xylem and phloem vessels which run just below it (in the actively growing portion of the stem); remember the centre of the trunk is in essence dead material - which provides the rigid support.

The trunk extends the reach of the tree, enabling trees to stretch their branches and leaves high into the canopies of surrounding trees - looking for light.

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13y ago

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