Vessel-length distribution in branches, stem and roots of acer rubrum L.

Abstract

Every part of the tree contains a range of vessellengths, and always a much larger percentage of short than long vessels. Vessel diameter and longest vessellength increase from twigs to branches, down along the stern, to the long, rope-like roots. The percentage of vessels in the shortest length class decreases in the same direction. Although red maple is considered a diffuse-porous species, vessels in latewood are narrower and shorter than in the earlywood in any given part of the tree.