What does the vascular cambium produce in woody plants?

The vascular cambium is a critical layer of tissue in woody plants that plays a vital role in their growth. It is a thin layer of lateral meristematic tissue between the xylem and phloem. Its primary function is to produce new cells, which contribute to secondary growth. Specifically, on the interior side of the vascular cambium, new xylem is formed, which is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. On the exterior side, it produces new phloem, which transports the products of photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant. This dual functionality of producing both xylem and phloem is essential for the plant's structural integrity and nutrient distribution as it matures, allowing it to grow in girth.