XXV.—Size in Relation to Internal Morphology. No. I.—Distribution of the Xylem in the Vascular System of Psilotum, Tmesipteris, and Lycopodium

Abstract

In his Presidential Address to the Royal Society of Edinburgh in October 1920, Professor Bower (2) called attention to the question of Size in relation to stelar morphology, and advanced evidence (with particular reference to the Filicales) to show how the principle of similar structures has affected the internal morphology of the vascular system of plants. In dealing with the application of this principle he remarks that “the stems and roots of most plants are approximately cylindrical. The same is the case as a rule for their conducting tracts also. The cylinder is one of those solid forms in which the proportion of external surface to bulk is exceptionally low. Any deviation from the cylindrical form, either by external projections or by involutions, necessarily leads to an increase in the proportion of surface to bulk. The surface varies only as the square of the linear dimensions, but the bulk as the cube. It follows, therefore, that in carrying out any of those physiological functions of a living organism which depend on surface, as do all those of the acquisition and inter change of material, the actual size of the part which exercises that function is a matter of the greatest moment. The larger the plant is, the more dependent will it then be upon its form and detailed structure, not only for its stability, but also for the performance of its functions of absorption and transit of liquids and gases. This will apply not only to the external surface, but also to those internal surfaces which limit one tissue tract from another.” In illustration of this, examples were taken from the stems, tubers, and petioles of the Filicales, and the size-factor was also found applicable to the large prop-roots of palms, such as Areca and Verschaffeltia.