What term refers to the layers of wood found between heartwood and the bark of the tree?

The term that refers to the layers of wood located between heartwood and the bark of the tree is sapwood. Sapwood is the younger, actively growing part of the tree's wood that is involved in the transport of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. It is typically lighter in color compared to heartwood, which is the inner, non-living portion of the tree that provides structural support.

Understanding the role of sapwood is essential in botany and forestry since it helps in sustaining the tree's growth and health. This layer is vital for the transportation process; it carries sap, which contains water, nutrients, and sugars necessary for the tree's life functions. This distinction between heartwood and sapwood is important in various applications, including woodworking and tree management practices.