Hydraulic architecture of Monstera acuminata: evolutionary consequences of the hemiepiphytic growth form

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2000.00578.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T15:30:42Z
• Authors: J. LÓPEZ‐PORTILLO; F. W. EWERS; G. ANGELES; J. B. FISHER
• Keywords: Liana; Main stem; Secondary growth; Base (topology)

The hydraulic architecture of the secondary hemiepiphyte Monstera acuminata was examined in native plants from Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, to determine how it compared better‐known growth forms such as trees, shrubs, lianas and primary hemiepiphytes. starts its life cycle a prostrate herb. As ascends tree or other vertical support, stem becomes thicker, produces larger leaves, may die back base upwards until only aerial feeding roots serve connect soil. Unlike pattern vessel‐size distribution along stems woody dicotyledons, M. has wider vessels at top stem, decreasing diameter towards base. Also peculiar is fact that Huber values (axis area/distal leaf area) tend increase exponentially higher positions within plant. Based on conductivity ( k h ) leaf‐specific (LSC, /distal area), potentially acts severe constriction. This constriction apparently not limiting, are produced further up stem. have remarkably strong root pressures, 225 kPa, which contribute maintenance functional by refilling them night during periods very high atmospheric humidity, foggy weather rain. In common with dicotyledonous plants, vessel length, diameter, , specific s /axis LSCs were all positively correlated axis diameter. features be an evolutionary consequence anatomical constraint (lack vascular cambium therefore growth) special requirements hemiepiphytic form.