Difference Between Heartwood and Sapwood
The main difference between the heartwood and the sapwood is that heartwood is deadwood, interior, while the sapwood is the outermost portion of a wood that is alive.
In addition, the heartwood occupies a large part of the transversal area of the wood, while the sapwood occupies a small area. In addition, the sapwood is generally light in color when compared to the heartwood. Heartwood and sapwood are the two areas in a cross-section of a woody stem. Both types of wood play a critical role in a tree.
What Is Heartwood?
Heartwood or durame is the inner portion of the woody stem, containing clogged secondary xylem. Heartwood formation is genetically programmed.
With growth, the stem increases its diameter, forming new xylem and phloem. Therefore, the most centered and ancient xylem becomes useless. Then, that part of the xylem becomes part of an essential function for the tree. For this, the cells in the center of the trunk die and chemical compounds accumulate in them. Some of these compounds are resins, terpenes, and phenols.
So it gives the heart a dark color. In addition, this offers resistance to decomposition and the ability to prevent insects and fungal infections. In addition, this allows for functional change. Therefore, the main function of the heartwood is to provide structural support to the tree.
What Is Sapwood?
Alburnum or laburnum is the initial wood form of any tree. It occurs from a thin layer of cells under the bark, called the vascular cambium, which produces wood cells for the interior and bark cells for the exterior. Therefore, sapwood always contains newly formed cells that are alive.
In addition, as these cells do not contain chemical compounds deposited as resins, the sapwood is lighter in color and has a soft texture. However, it is more prone to attacks by fungi and insects.
The main function of sapwood is to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant. Collectively, water and nutrients are known as sap. In addition, the sapwood cells also provide structural support to the tree.
Difference Between Heartwood and Sapwood
Definition of Heartwood and Sapwood
The heartwood refers to the dense internal part of a tree trunk, producing the hardest wood, while the sapwood refers to the soft outer layers of the newly formed wood between the heartwood and the bark, containing the functioning vascular tissue. Thus, this is the main difference between heartwood and sapwood.
1. Heartwood and Sapwood:Â Also CalledÂ
In addition, another name for heartwood is duramen and that of sapwood is sapwood.
2. Heartwood and Sapwood: Occurrence
Another difference between the heartwood and the sapwood is that the heartwood occurs in the center of the stem, while the sapwood occurs in the peripheral region.
3. Heartwood and Sapwood: Cells
In addition, the heartwood cells are relatively old, and most of them are dead, while the sapwood cells are young and most of them are alive. In addition, the heartwood contains densely arranged cells, while the sapwood cells are poorly arranged. So this is also a difference between heartwood and sapwood.
4. Heartwood and Sapwood: Color
In addition, color is another difference between heartwood and sapwood. The heartwood is usually dark in color, while the sapwood is light in color.
5. Heartwood and Sapwood: WeightÂ
In addition, the heartwood is heavier than sapwood.
6. Heartwood and Sapwood: Hard & Soft
In addition, the heartwood is hard while the sapwood is soft.
7. Heartwood and Sapwood: CompositionÂ
Another difference between heartwood and sapwood is its composition. The heartwood contains more lignin, while the sapwood contains more cellulose than the other.
8. Heartwood and Sapwood: Conductivity
Also, the heartwood serves as an insulator, while the sapwood serves as a conductor.
9. Heartwood and Sapwood: Occupation
Its function is also a big difference between heartwood and sapwood. The heartwood is responsible for providing structural support to the tree.
On the other hand, sapwood transports water and nutrients, providing structural support.
10. Heartwood and Sapwood: Durability
Also, the heartwood is durable, while the sapwood is not durable. Also, the heartwood is resistant to insects and fungal infections, while the sapwood is more prone to fungal infections and insect attacks. Therefore, the heartwood is suitable for furniture, but not the sapwood.
11. Heartwood and Sapwood: Fungal Attack
Hardwood: Wood is resistant to insect and fungal attacks.
Softwood: Wood is susceptible to insect and fungal attacks.
Main Difference Between Heartwood and Sapwood
- Sapwood = Alive, active and functional
- Heartwood = Dead, inactive and non-functional.
Explanation:
Some other important differences for conceptual clarity:
- The heartwood can be seen mainly on older stems. While the sapwood comprises the younger layers of wood. It means that it is the first wood in the trees.
- The sapwood is the softest external part of the woody stem. While the heartwood is a hard central part or internal part of the sapwood.
- The heartwood deposited with certain compounds, such as gums, tannins, oils, resins, is darker in color. On the other hand, sapwood without deposition of such materials has lighter colors.
- The sapwood is driving the wood, as it drives the sap (fluid containing dissolved minerals and water) between the roots and the crown of the tree. Also, keep some of them on rainy days. The heartwood is not conducive due to blocked intercellular spaces.
- The heartwood has negligible intercellular spaces in relation to the cells, which are blocked mainly with dead material, that is, lignin. The sapwood has enough intercellular spaces for its cells to help it conduct materials.
- The sapwood, soft and without deposition, is susceptible to decomposition and attack by insects. While Heartwood is very resistant to attack and decomposition of insects.
- Sapwood provides nutrients, water, and minerals in the form of sap to various parts of the plant. The heartwood supports the plant.
Conclusion
The heartwood is the innermost and hardest part of a woody stem, which contains mainly obstructed secondary xylem. Due to its durability, the heartwood is better for furniture. On the other hand, the sapwood is the most external and soft part of the woody stem, consisting of functional secondary xylem.
The main function of the sapwood is to transport sap. However, heartwood mainly provides structural support. Therefore, the main difference between heartwood and sapwood is structure and function.
FAQ: Differences Between Heartwood and Sapwood
What Is the Main Difference Between Heartwood and Sapwood?
The main difference is that heartwood is the dead, inner part of the wood, while sapwood is the living, outermost part of the wood.
Where Is Heartwood Located in a Tree?
Heartwood is located in the center of the tree trunk.
Where Is Sapwood Located in a Tree?
Sapwood is located in the peripheral region of the tree trunk, just beneath the bark.
How Does the Color of Heartwood Compare to Sapwood?
Heartwood is generally darker in color, while sapwood is lighter.
What Is the Primary Function of Heartwood?
The primary function of heartwood is to provide structural support to the tree.
What Is the Primary Function of Sapwood?
The primary function of sapwood is to transport water and nutrients throughout the tree.
Why Is Heartwood More Durable Than Sapwood?
Heartwood is more durable because it contains chemical compounds such as resins, terpenes, and phenols, which make it resistant to decay, insect attacks, and fungal infections.
Why Is Sapwood More Susceptible to Insect and Fungal Attacks?
Sapwood is more susceptible to insect and fungal attacks because it lacks the protective chemical compounds found in heartwood.
What Are Some Other Names for Heartwood and Sapwood?
Another name for heartwood is duramen, and sapwood is also referred to as alburnum.
Which Part of the Wood Is Better Suited for Making Furniture?
Heartwood is better suited for making furniture due to its durability and resistance to decay.
Are the Cells in Heartwood Alive or Dead?
The cells in heartwood are mostly dead.
Are the Cells in Sapwood Alive or Dead?
The cells in sapwood are mostly alive.
How Do the Weights of Heartwood and Sapwood Compare?
Heartwood is heavier than sapwood.
How Do the Hardness Levels of Heartwood and Sapwood Compare?
Heartwood is harder, while sapwood is softer.
What Compounds Are More Prevalent in Heartwood Compared to Sapwood?
Heartwood contains more lignin, while sapwood contains more cellulose.
What Is the Role of the Vascular Cambium in Sapwood Formation?
The vascular cambium is a thin layer of cells under the bark that produces wood cells for the interior and bark cells for the exterior, leading to the formation of sapwood.
Can Heartwood Conduct Water and Nutrients?
No, heartwood does not conduct water and nutrients as it is blocked and non-functional in this regard.
What Is Sap, and Which Part of the Wood Transports It?
Sap is a fluid containing dissolved minerals and water. Sapwood transports sap throughout the tree.
Why Is Heartwood Darker in Color Compared to Sapwood?
Heartwood is darker due to the accumulation of chemical compounds like resins, terpenes, and phenols.
What Makes Sapwood Essential for a Tree’s Growth and Survival?
Sapwood is essential for transporting water and nutrients, which are crucial for the tree’s growth and survival.
