Wood is an essential component of trees, providing support and structural integrity. But did you know that there are different types of wood in a tree, each with its unique characteristics and functions? Heartwood and sapwood are two types of wood found in trees, and understanding the differences between them is crucial for anyone interested in woodworking, forestry, or botany. In this blog post, we will explore the key similarities and difference between heartwood and sapwood, including their structure, function, and appearance. By the end of this post, you will have a deeper understanding of the wood anatomy and the role that heartwood and sapwood play in it.
Anatomically, wood is the secondary xylem of seed-plants. As the tree ages, certain permanent changes take place in the wood. The inner parts of the wood become darker. The xylem in this central part is called heartwood or ‘duramen’. The peripheral part of the wood is light coloured and it is called sapwood or ‘alburnum’. The sap conduction occurs through the sapwood.
The dark colour of heartwood is due to the accumulation many aromatic substances, pigments and tannins. These changes make the wood more strong and durable and resistant to decay by insect or fungal attacks. The inner heartwood provides the mechanical support. The present post discusses the similarities and differences between heartwood and soft wood with a comparison table.
Similarities between Heartwood and Sapwood
Ø Both are composed of secondary xylem formed after many years of secondary growth.
Ø Both are derived from the vascular cambium.
Ø Both can provide mechanical support.
(image source: cc Wikipedia)
Difference between Heartwood and Sapwood
Sl. No. Heartwood Sapwood 1 Heartwood occurs in the central portion of an old stem. Sapwood occurs in the peripheral (outer) portion of an old stem. 2 Cells are comparatively older. Cells are comparatively younger. 3 Also called as ‘Duramen’ Also called as ‘Alburnum’ 4 Heartwood is dark colured Sapwood is light coloured. 5 It is the dead and nonfunctional part of the secondary xylem. It is the living and functional part of the secondary xylem. 6 The lumens of vessels and tracheids are plugged due to tyloses formation. Vessel and tracheid are not plugged. No tyloses formation. 7 Cells store many ergastic substances such as resins and tannins. Cells do not store any ergastic substances. 8 Cells store many ergastic substances such as resins and tannins.
Heartwood is heavier.Sapwood is light in weight. 9 Heartwood is the durable wood. Sapwood is not a durable wood. 10 Heartwood is suitable for making furniture Sapwood is not suitable for making furniture. 11 Wood is resistant to insect and fungal attacks Wood is susceptible to insect and fungal attacks.
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very useful thank you for the clear cut differentiation