Xylem vessel length and distribution: does analysis method matter? A study using Acacia

Abstract

Knowledge of xylem vessel length is important for several reasons, including the accurate calculation and comparison of hydraulic conductivity studies in excised stems. Vessel length data and distributions are also relevant in some anatomical, ecological, evolutionary, pathological and compatible hydraulic studies. However, determining vessel length is tedious, so is often either avoided or undertaken arbitrarily in hydraulic conductivity studies. We examined four injection media (paints and inks) under transmission electron microscopy to ascertain which was most suitable for determining vessel length. Hunt’s Speedball India ink, with evenly distributed, uniform spherical carbon particles ..