| Xylem anatomical traits can provide insights regarding the mechanisms affecting the distribution of vascular plants across environmental gradients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the hypothesis that lianas occurring in semiarid environments have characteristics that maximize the xylem resistance to tension-induced cavitation along the root-stem-branch continuum. To gather information regarding the hydraulic architecture of the lianas, we analyzed several anatomical traits of wood: cross-sectional area occupied by the parenchyma (AP), fibers (AF), and vessels (AV); average vessel diameter (d); wood density (WD); pit diameter in the vessel wall (dpit); pit density (Npit), and potential hydraulic conductivity (Kp) in branches, stems, and roots of... |
