ABSTRACT

A green plant is unique in its hydraulic architecture. Hydraulic conductivity of the xylem is closely linked to the minimum leaf area, which it must supply with water and nutrients for survival. Hydraulic conductivity, as quantified by Zimmermann (1974), is generally measured as leaf specific conductivity (flow rate per unit pressure gradient) divided by the leaf area supplied by the xylem pipeline segment. This measure is a key for quick evaluation of pressure gradients within a plant. Modeling the functional and natural architecture of plant water flow pipeline takes more traits in consideration than merely the physical attributes of a mechanical pump. The contribution of living cells and more specifically, genes and proteins, for maintenance of the “green pump” remains largely unaddressed.