Cork tissue, with its impervious nature and protective function, is a distinctive feature of complex plants that has enabled their survival in terrestrial environments. It provides an effective barrier against water loss and protects against mechanical injury and microbial infections.

Cork cells are dead and compactly arranged without intercellular spaces. They contain a substance called suberin in their walls, which makes them impervious to gases and water. Cork tissue serves as a protective barrier against environmental stresses such as physical ...

A strip of secondary meristem located in the cortex of older plants forms cork tissue, which constitutes the outer protective layer. This process is known as cork cambium activity.

The outer layer of a branch of a tree typically undergoes changes as the plant ages, forming cork tissue to provide additional protection. In contrast, the outer layer of a young stem may consist of primary meristem and epidermal tissue.

Desert plants often have a thick waxy coating of cutin on the outer surface of their epidermis. This cuticle acts as a waterproof barrier, reducing water loss through transpiration and helping the plant conserve water in arid environments.