Know your BARK
Flaky, snaky, shaggy or craggy, tactile tree trunks come into their own in winter. Here are the main types to choose from
Bark is the protective skin of woody plants. It keeps out invading insects, bacteria, fungi and retains precious moisture. It can also defend a tree from fire and trees that shed layers of bark deter clinging vines and epiphytes (plants that use trees for support) from taking hold. Only woody trees produce bark, so it’s found in conifers for instance, but not in ferns or palm trees. Beneath the bark there are two important layers of dividing cells called cambium. These are relatively shallow and damage to them can impede growth and, in extreme cases, kill the tree. As it ages, bark splits in many ways, creating a great diversity of patterns, textures and colours – some are shown here.