Extract the answer to the question from the following context. Question: What does earlywood refer to? Context: If there are differences within a growth ring, then the part of a growth ring nearest the center of the tree, and formed early in the growing season when growth is rapid, is usually composed of wider elements. It is usually lighter in color than that near the outer portion of the ring, and is known as earlywood or springwood. The outer portion formed later in the season is then known as the latewood or summerwood. However, there are major differences, depending on the kind of wood (see below).
Answer:
the part of a growth ring nearest the center of the tree, and formed early in the growing season when growth is rapid