Wood anatomy reflects the distribution of Krascheninnikovia ceratoides (Chenopodiaceae)

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Wood anatomy characters of the Eurasian/North American half-shrub Krascheninnikovia ceratoides were investigated on plants from different parts of the wide distribution area. The secondary xylem is developed as result of anomalous secondary thickening. The vessels are small (commonly <50 μm) and the secondary xylem is rayless. Differences in vessel diameter exist between the main axis, basal branches and flowering shoots. The maximum as well as the minimum vessel diameter in the flowering shoots is significantly smaller compared to the basal branches, as well as in the main axis in all provenances. The length of thick-walled libriform fibre cells varies between the main axis and the basal branches of the same plant individual, but in the short main axis the length of libriform fibre cells is relatively constant (193-217 μm), independent of provenance and climate. Obviously, the length of libriform fibre cells is a conservative character and dependent on plant size. The vessel diameter is a more sensitive parameter for ecological studies. It varies more clearly, considering the vessel position in the plant axis system, in relation with climate differences of the provenances of the examined plants. Plants from a temperate, semi-humid climate have the largest vessel diameter in basal branches and flowering shoots, while the vessel diameter of plants from an arid temperate climate in Central Asia is smallest. The vessel diameters depend not only on climate, but also on the position in the axial system of the plants. There is a trade-off between average vessel number and their maximum diameter in flowering shoots of populations from Russia and Mongolia. Thus, vessel diameters depend on both, position in the axial system of the plant and climatic conditions.

Original languageEnglish
JournalFlora
Volume206
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)300-309
Number of pages10
ISSN0367-2530
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04.2011
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Biology - Anomalous secondary thickening, Chenopodiaceae, Climatic influence on wood characters, Krascheninnikovia, Wood anatomy