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Internal segmentation of rhizomes of Phragmites australis : protection of the internal aeration system against being flooded
Author(s) -
SOUKUP ALEŠ,
VOTRUBOVÁ OLGA,
ČÍŽKOVÁ HANA
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2000.00555.x
Subject(s) - phragmites , rhizome , diaphragm (acoustics) , parenchyma , aeration , aerenchyma , internal pressure , environmental science , materials science , botany , biology , composite material , wetland , ecology , physics , acoustics , loudspeaker
Segmentation of the aeration system and its anatomy was studied in rhizomes of common reed ( Phragmites australis ). Segmentation is achieved by nodal diaphragms which allow the passage of pressurised gas‐flow but which also form effective barriers against flooding of the internal space in case of local injury. The pressures required to force water through the diaphragms were measured and compared with the anatomical structure of the diaphragm. The fine hydrophilic stellate parenchyma of the diaphragms was shown to act as a matrix supporting menisci of air–water interfaces and therefore preventing water movement until the ‘limit’ pressure (measured values ranged from 18 to >40 kPa) was overcome. Although the surfaces of the large stellate parenchyma and sclerenchyma strands covering the diaphragm are hydrophobic these components do little to prevent the ingress of water.