Tree sap

Tree sap is the fluid transported in xylem cells or phloem sieve tube elements of a tree. It serves various functions in the tree's physiology including the transportation of water, nutrients, and sugars between the roots and the leaves.

Composition

Tree sap is primarily composed of water, along with a variety of dissolved sugars, hormones, and mineral elements. The exact composition can vary depending on the species of tree, the time of year, and the tree's overall health.

Types of Tree Sap

There are two types of tree sap: xylem sap and phloem sap.

Xylem Sap

Xylem sap is a solution of water, hormones, mineral elements and other nutrients. It is transported from the roots of a tree to the leaves through the xylem cells. The primary role of xylem sap is to replace water lost during transpiration and photosynthesis.

Phloem Sap

Phloem sap is a solution of water, sugars, hormones, and other nutrients. It is transported from the leaves of a tree to its roots through the phloem sieve tube elements. The primary role of phloem sap is to transport energy from the leaves (where it is produced via photosynthesis) to the other parts of the tree.

Uses of Tree Sap

Tree sap has been used by humans for various purposes throughout history. Some of the most common uses include:

• Maple syrup production: The sap of the sugar maple tree is boiled to produce maple syrup.
• Resin production: Some trees, like pines, produce a sticky sap that can be used to make resin.
• Rubber production: The sap of the rubber tree is used to produce natural rubber.
• Medicinal uses: Some types of tree sap, like that from the aloe vera plant, have medicinal properties.

See Also

• Transpiration
• Photosynthesis
• Xylem
• Phloem
• Maple syrup
• Resin
• Rubber