In
dicot roots, the pericycle strengthens the roots and provides protection for the
vascular bundles. In dicot root, the vascular cambium is completely secondary in origin, and it originates from a portion of pericycle tissue. The pericycle regulates the formation of lateral roots by rapidly dividing near the xylem elements of the root. It has been known to often be confused with other parts of the plant. However, its unique ring structure allows it to be more easily identified. Past efforts to isolate such tissue have been successful.
Monocot roots rarely branch, but can, and this branch will originate from the pericycle. ==References==