Photosynthesis in Wood

The capacity for photosynthesis, measured as light enhanced 14CO2 uptake, was demonstrated in the wood of first and fourth year twigs of Betula pendula Roth, Populus tremuloides Michx., Syringa vulgaris L., and Tilia Americana L, but not in Gleditschia triacanthos L. In Betula and Syringa, but not in the others, photosynthesis occurred in the secondary xylem as well as in the primary xylem.