Are hydraulic patterns of lianas different from trees? New insights from Hedera helix.

ABSTRACT: Lianas form long and flexible but disproportionately narrow stems, and thus require particular strategies to maintain the integrity of xylem water transport and ensure supply to large crown areas. The hydraulic architecture of lianas and the respective within-plant coordination of transport efficiency and safety, and the underlying anatomical variations in xylem, are largely unexplored. We analysed Hedera helix, a liana widespread in European temperate forests, with respect to hydraulic and xylem anatomical variations between the main stem and branches, between juvenile and adult life phases, and along the vertical axis. Main stems were significantly less embolism resistant but exhibited a higher hydraulic conductivity than branches. In branches, the cell turgor loss point of leaves decrea

SUBMITTER: Ganthaler A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6506770 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature