Only about 1% of the average tree is alive! How does it grow?

It's common knowledge that trees are living things, but 99% of it's cells aren't! Just 1% of a tree can actually be called 'living.' This living portion, called the cambium, is located under the bark and in the leaves and roots. On average, it's only several cells thick!

What does this portion of the tree do? It delivers food and nutrients to the rest of the tree, helping it grow. Most of the non-living parts of the tree work to protect the small amount of living portions. This helps the tree produce seeds, so more can be planted for the next generation.

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