Lignification and Heartwood Formation : The Chemophysiological Mechanism that Keeps a Tree Alive

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Other Title
  • 木化と心材形成 : 樹が生きつづける仕組み
  • モクカ ト シンザイ ケイセイ キ ガ イキツズケル シクミ

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Abstract

The greatest difference between trees and grasses is that grasses show only elongation growth whereas trees show both elongation and thickening growth. In this way, a tree occupies a larger space than a grass and can live for many years. On the other hand, in a tree, unlike a grass marked lignification takes place, and heartwood formation which does not take place in grass occurs. I have come to hold the opinion that this lignifica tion and heartwood formation is the secret, that is, the chemophysiological mechanism that keeps a tree alive for many years. In the following, the relationship between trees and water supply, and between trees and microorganisms (especilly wood rot-fungi) are discussed from the standpoint of lignification and heartwood formation to support the idea that lignifica tion and heartwood forma tion provide the chemophysical mechanism for a tree to occupy a large space and to live for many years in one place.

Journal

  • 九州大学農学部演習林報告

    九州大学農学部演習林報告 52 131-141, 1982-03-31

    Research Institution of University Forests, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University

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