Bark:

♤ The outside layer of the trunk, branches and twigs of trees.

♤ The bark serves as a protective layer of the tree.

♤ Trees actually have inner bark and outer bark. The inner layer of bark is made up of living cells and the outer layer is made of dead cells, sort of like our fingernails.

♤ The scientific name for the inner layer of bark is Phloem. The main job of this inner layer is to carry sap full of sugar from the leaves to the rest of the tree.

♤ A number of handy things are made from bark including latex, cinnamon and some kinds of poisons. It isn’t surprising the strong flavours, scents and toxins can often be found in the bark of different types of trees.