Which type of wood is formed in response to damage?

Woundwood is a specialized type of wood that forms in response to injury or damage to a tree. When a tree sustains a wound—such as from a physical injury, insect infestation, or disease—it activates a response to protect itself and facilitate healing. The cells in the affected area begin to grow differently to form this unique wood type, which is characterized by changes in structure and density. This adaptation helps to seal off the injured area, assisting in the tree's recovery and preventing further damage from external threats.

In contrast, compression wood and reaction wood refer to types of wood that develop in certain tree species in response to gravitational forces rather than direct damage. Compression wood is typically found in coniferous trees and forms on the lower side of branches to help counteract bending. Reaction wood, which includes both compression wood and its counterpart, tension wood, occurs as a response to mechanical stress, but is not specifically about damage to the trunk or limbs. Flexural wood is not a well-defined term in the context of tree biology and does not correspond to a recognized type of wood formation in response to damage. Therefore, the understanding of woundwood is essential in the context of tree injury and the adaptive mechanisms employed by trees to survive and heal.