Compartmentalization: a conceptual framework for understanding how trees grow and defend themselves [Wood compartmentation and boundary zones]

The purpose of this chapter is to describe a conceptual framework for understanding how trees grow and how they and other perennial plants defend themselves. The concept of compartmentalization has developed over many years, a synthesis of ideas from a number of investigators. The end result of all these studies is an integrating concept that involves defenses laid down by trees prior to injury and defenses laid down by trees after injury.