phloem – plant tissue that transports sugar from the leaves to the rest of the plant

(Pronounced flow-em)

Note: The phloem and the xylem are continuous tubes located in the leaves, stems and roots of plants.

To remember the meaning of phloem, use the following mnemonic:

Down the flowing river, the emperor (phloem) transported sugar plants.

Phloem is a specialised transport tissue in plants that is responsible for transporting organic compounds, particularly sugars produced during photosynthesis, from the leaves to all other parts of the plant where they are needed for growth, storage, or respiration. The main transport elements of phloem are called sieve tube elements, which are living cells that form long tubes connected by perforated end walls called sieve plates that allow the flow of materials between cells. 

Xylem and phloem are essential for supporting growth and metabolism.