Water Transport Characteristics of Multiple Structures of Xylem Vessels in <i>Magnolia</i>

Abstract

The multiple structures of xylem vessels in Magnolia provide stable and efficient water transport channels. The structural parameters of xylem vessels were studied in wood sections and in macerated materials. The results showed that the xylem vessels of Magnolia contained a helical thickening structure and a pit structure of a secondary wall, and the end walls had a scalariform perforation plate. The helical thickening and scalariform perforation plate increased the flow resistance of the vessel, and the pit structure decreased the flow resistance of the vessel. There was a close positive correlation between the flow resistance of the vessels and the helical width, the helical height, the thickness of the scalariform perforation plate, the number of holes in the scalariform perforation plate, the length of the pit canal, and the pit spacing. In addition, there was a negative correlation between the flow resistance of the vessels and the helical spacing, the pit vertical diameter, and the pit domain length. Among these structural parameters, the helical height, the number of holes, and the length of pit canal had a greater influence on the flow resistance. The pit structure caused the vessel to produce radial water transport. The radial transmission efficiency increased with the increase in the pit domain length. With no pit membrane in the pit structure of Magnolia, the radial transmission efficiency would be between 43.99% and 53.21%.

Keywords

• vessel
• flow resistance
• helical thickening
• scalariform perforation plate
• pit structure
• radial transmission efficiency