Leaf Vascular Systems in C3 and C4 Grasses: A Two-dimensional Analysis

Abstract

It seems that C(4) grasses have structurally a superior photosynthate translocation and water distribution system by developing denser networks of small longitudinal and transverse veins, while keeping a constant density of large longitudinal veins. The bambusoid and panicoid C(3) grasses have a vascular system that is more similar to that in C(4) grasses than to that in the festucoid C(3) grasses.