function of bark

[Janice M. Glime]

  How about a guess - exfoliating bark can rid the plant of young
parasites and epiphytes while replacing the protection of the bark from
the uninfected inner side.  This seems to be a character of more southern
things in the US, where bromeliads and other epiphytes can sometimes be
detrimental, and where bark dwelling parasites can grow.  It might also
help to shed fungi before they reach as far as the phloem.  NOTE:  I have
not seen any documentation that these guesses really work for the tree.
Janice
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 Janice M. Glime, Professor  
 Department of Biological Sciences
 Michigan Technological University
 Houghton, MI 49931-1295
 jmglime at mtu.edu
 906-487-2546
 FAX 906-487-3167 
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