Data from: An alternative water transport system in land plants
Data files
Jul 10, 2018 version files 3.86 KB
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leafexp.csv
914 B
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leaves.csv
2.08 KB
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longgrowthdata.csv
106 B
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radialgrowthdata.csv
316 B
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rootexp.csv
440 B
Abstract
The evolution of vascular tissue is a key innovation enabling plants to inhabit terrestrial environments. Here, we demonstrate extra-vascular water transport in a giant, prop-rooted monocot from Lord Howe Island. Pandanus forsteri (Pandanaceae) produces gutter-like leaves that capture rainwater, which is then couriered along a network of channels to the tips of aerial roots, where it is stored by absorptive tissue. This passive mechanism of water acquisition, transport, and storage is critical to the growth of aerial prop roots that cannot yet attain water via vascular conduction. This species therefore sheds light on the elaborate means by which plants have evolved to attain water.