Explain the process of secondary growth in stems of woody angiosperms with the help of schematic diagrams. What is its significance?

(N/A) Secondary growth in woody dicot stems involves the formation of a continuous vascular cambium ring. The intrafascicular cambium (present within vascular bundles) and the interfascicular cambium (formed from medullary rays) join to form this ring.
The cambium ring becomes active and begins to cut off new cells on both sides. Cells cut off towards the periphery differentiate into secondary phloem,while those cut off towards the center (pith) differentiate into secondary xylem. The secondary xylem is produced in much larger quantities than the secondary phloem,which pushes the primary phloem and cortex outwards,eventually causing them to crush.
Additionally,the cork cambium (phellogen) develops in the cortex,producing phellem (cork) towards the outside and phelloderm towards the inside,collectively forming the periderm.
Significance:
$1$. It increases the girth (diameter) of the stem.
$2$. It provides additional mechanical support to the plant.
$3$. It increases the conducting capacity of xylem and phloem to support the growing canopy of leaves.