A plant will transfer/partially store energy in the form of carbohydrates all up and down it's trunk and branches. When the plant is stimulated into receding into dormancy over the winter, it will collect as many/much nutrients and carbohydrates as it can, so that it will be able to have a large flush of growth in the spring. If this photo is recent, what likely occurred is that the plant was harvested within the last few months, and had an abundance of energy stored. When the climate began it's upswing back into warmer weather, this will de-constrict the cells as well as xylem and phloem, allowing for movement of energy and the water that was left. This, in turn, flowed into and expanded the previously set buds of the plant, and you can see what happens from there.
When you cut/injure the exterior of a plant in it's growing season, often you'll find that it bleeds a watery, sometimes sticky, substance. This is a simple way of explaining how plants, especially in their green bits, will have it's vascular system full of water and nutrients basically at all times.
Maybe not ELI5, but I hope this cleared up some of the confusion.
TooShiftyForYou on April 19th, 2017 at 21:58 UTC »
At least you know it's real wood.
Lemesplain on April 19th, 2017 at 23:22 UTC »
"I'm not quite dead yet."
LifelsGood on April 20th, 2017 at 00:37 UTC »
A plant will transfer/partially store energy in the form of carbohydrates all up and down it's trunk and branches. When the plant is stimulated into receding into dormancy over the winter, it will collect as many/much nutrients and carbohydrates as it can, so that it will be able to have a large flush of growth in the spring. If this photo is recent, what likely occurred is that the plant was harvested within the last few months, and had an abundance of energy stored. When the climate began it's upswing back into warmer weather, this will de-constrict the cells as well as xylem and phloem, allowing for movement of energy and the water that was left. This, in turn, flowed into and expanded the previously set buds of the plant, and you can see what happens from there.
When you cut/injure the exterior of a plant in it's growing season, often you'll find that it bleeds a watery, sometimes sticky, substance. This is a simple way of explaining how plants, especially in their green bits, will have it's vascular system full of water and nutrients basically at all times.
Maybe not ELI5, but I hope this cleared up some of the confusion.