ArticleAnnals of botany2026
Are differences in xylem vessel traits and their geographical variation among liana species related to the distribution patterns of climbing mechanisms in a temperate zone?
Article in Annals of botany, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND
aimsXylem and vessel structures help to maintain water transport in woody plants in response to environmental changes. Many studies have demonstrated the relationships between vessel structures and, in particular, temperature. However, the effects of environmental factors on the vessel size distribution and on vessels of different sizes have not been fully assessed statistically. Lianas are characterized by large vessels and vessel dimorphism. Liana abundance decreases with decreasing temperature; this pattern is attributed to the vulnerability of their large vessels to freeze-thaw embolism. However, in temperate zones, the relationships between liana abundance and temperature differ between twining and root climbers.
methodsWe sampled wood discs of eight liana species distributed across Japan and measured the size and shape of 130 940 vessels in 836 sections from 219 individuals. We classified vessels of each species into two diameter clusters (large and small) and calculated vessel traits and potential hydraulic conductivity (Kp). Vessel traits were compared among climbing mechanisms, and the relationships between vessel traits and temperature were analysed for species. KEY
resultsTwining climbers had larger vessel diameters than root climbers and had greater Kp. However, the relationships between temperature and vessel traits of species were inconsistent within climbing mechanisms. The decrease in Kp in certain species with decreasing temperature might result from species-specific changes in xylem structure. Vessels of the two clusters related differently to temperature in some species.
conclusionsThe vessel traits in each climbing mechanism might partly explain the distribution patterns of these lianas in the study region. Furthermore, changes in Kp in some species supported the prediction that liana competitiveness decreases with decreasing temperature. Understanding the mechanisms behind the changes in vessel traits and vessel size distribution along environmental factors will provide fundamental insights into how environmental changes affect forest ecosystems by altering plant hydraulic function.
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