Sapwood
/SAP-wood/🔬 Anatomy● Basic
Also known as: alburnum
Sapwood (alburnum) is the outer portion of the trunk consisting of living xylem cells that actively transport water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves. It is typically lighter in color than heartwood and more susceptible to decay. Sapwood width varies by species and growing conditions — fast-growing trees may have wide sapwood, while slow-growing species have narrow bands. Over time, inner sapwood converts to heartwood.
Etymology
From Old English sæp (juice, sap) + Old English wudu (wood)
Example
“The boring insect targeted the sapwood just beneath the bark where the nutritious actively conducting tissue was.”