[Island made]

You're also seeing 'Ray' cells that will cross over the cambium from the phloem towards the heartwood. In a cross section they grow in a starburst pattern. Some trees have more than others. Oak and gum for instance, have lots which makes them more resistant to splitting than others like say Maple.

.....well...that went over my head!?! Imma just gonna call it "cool grain"

Seriously brother, your vast tree knowledge never ceases to amaze me!!