An Experimental Method for Studying the Differentiation of Vessel Endings

A simple experimental method for studying the differentiationof vessel endings is described. Vessel endings are induced andtheir location is determined experimentally along an internodeby a complete horizontal cut. The frequency of vessel endingsis very high in the first 5 mm immediately below the cut andtheir number declined sharply in the basipetal direction. Patternsof the secondary wall of complete and partly dissolved vesselendings are demonstrated. Hydraulic safety zone, Luffa cylindrica, vessel differentiation, vessel endings, xylem anatomy