The Vascular Cambium and Xylem Development in Hibiscus Lasiocarpus

Cumbie, B. G. (U. Missouri, Columbia.) The vascular cambium and xylem development in Hibiscus lasiocarpus. Amer. Jour. Bot. 50(9): 944–951. Illus. 1963.—Circumferential growth of the vascular cambium, as determined primarily by an analysis of the secondary xylem, in Hibiscus lasiocarpus, an herbaceous dicotyledon, occurred through both radial and oblique anticlinal divisions. Divisions to produce segments were less frequent. Although the fusiform initials usually elongated somewhat between successive divisions, this accounted for very little increase in circumference of the cambium. A fusiform initial underwent a specific pattern of anticlinal divisions, determined primarily by its length, at the beginning of cambial activity. There was no loss of fusiform initials, except by ray formation. Most new rays originated only after considerable secondary xylem had been formed. The findings are discussed in relation to circumferential growth of the vascular cambium in woody dicotyledons.