what is xylem

Xylem is a type of transport tissue found in vascular plants, which transports water and nutrients from roots to stems and leaves. It is one of the two types of transport tissue in vascular plants, the other being phloem. The word "xylem" is derived from the Ancient Greek word ξύλον (xylon), meaning "wood". The most distinctive xylem cells are the long tracheary elements that transport water. Tracheids and vessel elements are distinguished by their shape; vessel elements are shorter and are connected together into long tubes that are called vessels. Xylem also contains two other types of cells: parenchyma and fibers. Xylem can be found in vascular bundles, present in non-woody plants and non-woody parts of woody plants, in secondary xylem laid down by a meristem called the vascular cambium in woody plants, and as part of a stelar arrangement not divided into.