If the cambium sustains injury, what potential outcome could result?

When the cambium, a layer of actively dividing cells located between the bark and wood of trees and shrubs, sustains injury, one significant potential outcome is the death of the plant. The cambium is crucial for the secondary growth of the plant, as it is responsible for producing new vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) that helps transport water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant. If the cambium is damaged, this transport system can be compromised, leading to a lack of necessary resources for the plant to survive.

In severe cases, injury to the cambium can disrupt the plant's ability to conduct photosynthesis and transpiration, ultimately causing stress and leading to the decline in health or even death of the plant. This highlights the critical role that the cambium plays not only in growth but also in sustaining the plant's overall vitality.