Proliferation of axial parenchymatic xylem cells is a key step in wound closure of girdled stems in Pinus canariensis

Wounds caused by fire, herbivorism, rock impacts, etc. cause the direct loss of photosynthetic, storage and/or vascular tissue. In addition, they may entail other damages, such as desiccation of the exposed internal parts, or become a gateway to infection by fungi and other pathogens.