The Annual Rhythm of Activity of the Lateral Meristems (Cambium and Phellogen) in Cupressus sempervirens L

The annual rhythm of cambial activity in Cupressus sempervirensseems to be endogenous and fits well the Mediterranean climaticrhythm. Under outdoor conditions the cambium begins its activitytowards the autumn when temperatures drop and water is lesslimiting. The cambium continues to be active during the mildMediterranean winter and enters dormancy towards the beginningof the dry summer. A constant supply of water is not enoughto avoid cambial dormancy but may result in earlier onset anda prolonged period of activity. Relationships between xylemand phloem production, between shoot and root, and between cambialand phellogen activity are discussed. Cupressus sempervirens L., cypress, cambium, phellogen, annual rhythm, wood production