ISSN 2756-3790
International Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture Vol. 2 (9), pp. 130-136, September, 2014. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Variation in anatomical features along Acer platanoides (Sapindaceae) branches
Gregory A. Dahle1 and Jason C. Grabosky
1West Virginia University, Division of Forestry & Natural Resources, 337D Percival Hall, Morgantown WV, 26506.
Rutgers University, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted May 7, 2014
Abstract
This paper investigates the balance between hydraulics and mechanics in tree branches by analyzing changes in the percentage of area composed of four cell types along Acer platanoides L. branches. Percent area composed of vessels members, fibers, ray parenchyma, and axial parenchyma were compared at five locations along each branch from the stem towards the branch tips. The percentage of each cell type was not found to be correlated with the angleof branch attachment to the trunk, nor the top versus bottom of each branch location. In general vessel radii decreased in the distal direction along each branch. Percent area comprised of vessels was highest in the middle of the branches and lowest at both ends, while the percent area for fibers did not differ in the secondary (radial) growth. Vessel to fiber ratios were found to vary in the same pattern as percent area vessel, which suggests that water movement is governing the balance between hydraulics and mechanics in these branches.
Key words: Anatomy, vessel, fiber, branches, hydraulics, mechanics.