What is an exudate?

An exudate is any fluid exuding from (coming out of) a body, plant, or animal.

Gum, sap, latex, and resin from trees are called exudates (because these fluids exude from the bark of a tree).

Tree exudate

Sometimes nectar from flowers is regarded as an exudate.

Many animals like to feed on tree exudates because they provide fluid and nutrients.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM