HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Conifer xylem has less cellular diversity than angiosperm xylem, and consists of two cell types: tracheids (approx. 90–93% of the xylem surface area) and parenchyma (approx. 7–10% surface area) (Hacke, 2015).

Detailed explanation-2: -Tracheids serve for support and for upward conduction of water and dissolved minerals in all vascular plants and are the only such elements in conifers and ferns.

Detailed explanation-3: -The wide size range of conifer tracheids and angiosperm vessels has important consequences for function. In both conduit types, bigger is better for conducting efficiency. The gain in efficiency with size is maximized by the control of conduit shape, which balances end-wall and lumen resistances.