An Anatomical Assessment of Branch Abscission and Branch-base Hydraulic Architecture in the Endangered Wollemia nobilis

摘要

Background and AimsThe branch-base xylem structure of the endangered Wollemia nobilis was anatomically investigated. Wollemia nobilis is probably the only extant tree species that produces only first-order branches and where all branches are cleanly abscised. An investigation was carried out to see if these unusual features might influence branch-base xylem structure and water supply to the foliage.