The histological effects of experimentally induced injuries to stems are documented in dicotyledonous vines that are wide-stemmed and woody, that is, lianas. The selected species had either typical or anomalous arrangements of secondary vascular tissues. Experimental bending and twisting damage and later healing are described for species in 11 genera in eight families. Healing after bark girdles is described for eight genera in six families. Anomalies such as wide unlignified rays, much xylem parenchyma, lobed xylem, disjunct cambium, supernumerary cambia, and multiple vascular cylinders participated in extensive callus formation and rapid healing of damaged vascular tissues. Anomalies also permitted orderly longitudinal splitting along defined rupture planes that served to limit vascular dysfunction. This limiting of injury and promotion of healing are reviewed together with other possible adaptive advantages of anomalous stem anatomy in lianas.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fisher et al. (1989) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: