The tissue at the junction of a branch to stem is called?

• A. Branch collar
• B. Growth rings
• C. Sapwood
• D. Xylem

Answer: (A)

The tissue at the junction where a branch meets the stem is called the branch collar. This zone surrounds the base of the branch and includes bark and cambial tissue from both the branch and the trunk, forming a protective barrier that helps seal wounds and defend against decay as the tree grows. Growth rings are the annual layers of wood inside the trunk, not specific to a branch junction. Sapwood is the outer, living wood that conducts water, while xylem is the tissue that moves water up through the plant. For the junction itself, the branch collar is the correct term.