On the possible functions of helical thickenings in conductive cells in wood

What is it about?

Sherwin J. Carlquist made significant contributions to the study of botany, specifically in the area of ecological and evolutionary wood anatomy. He proposed important hypotheses regarding the function of helical thickenings (HT) in wood, including their biomechanical and fluid dynamic role in dry environments. In this article, we aim to honor Carlquist's legacy by summarizing existing observations and exploring the functional hypotheses of HT, while acknowledging that these features represent a diverse range of non-homologous and functionally distinct structures. Using data from the pantropical genus Croton, we propose that the diversity of HT may serve two additional functions beyond their previously articulated mechanical role: vessel refilling after cavitation and increased hydraulic efficiency.

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