Experimental Studies on Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). III. Xylem Development in Relation to the Hypocotylary Bud Growth

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Abstract
The hypocotylary buds of leafy spurge (E. esula L.) are inhibited but are released from inhibition when the cotyledonary node is severed. The inhibited buds on the hypocotyls of nondecapitated plants contain at their bases xylem strands which are interrupted by undifferentiated tracheary elements. The buds released partly or completely from inhibition by decapitation have at their bases uninterrupted xylem strands containing vessels which establish connection with the hypocotylary stele. The growth of hypocotylary buds in nondecapitated plants is very limited, and it is accelerated after an efficient xylem bridge forms between the bud base and the hypocotylary stele. A well-developed xylem bridge, consisting of vessel elements and connected adequately with the hypocotylary stele, is produced precociously after decapitation and the buds show accelerated growth.