Role of Parenchyma in Linum Usitatissimum Leaf Trace Patterns

A new notation for leaf trace patterns was developed which is consistent with contemporary contact parastichy phyllotaxis notation. New computer‐aided methods for generating accurate stem tissue maps were developed. Application of these methods resulted in clarification of the role that parenchyma differentiation plays in delimiting the procambial template for Linum usitatissimum L. stem vasculature through ontogeny. Study of the tissue maps for the various leaf trace patterns exhibited by Linum stems through ontogeny generated a set of observations which permits more rigorous definition of the developmental rules for vascular pattern formation. Long‐known geometric principles of phyllotaxis were found applicable to leaf trace patterns.