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(American Journal of Botany. 2004;91:1936-1938.)
© 2004 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

Brief Communication

The mechanical role of the endodermis in Equisetum plant stems1

H.-Ch. Spatz2 and A. Emanns

Plant Biomechanics Group, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr.1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany

The endodermis of different species of the genus Equisetum has different configurations, two or one continuous layers or a sheath only around the vascular bundles. The question whether the endodermis contributes to the mechanical stability of the aerial shoots is investigated in two ways: In a direct approach, the endodermis of segments of E. hyemale was dissected longitudinally and the mechanical stability against ovalization measured as a function of the orientation of the cuts with respect to the forces applied. A comparative approach tested the mechanical stability of eight different species of Equisetum against ovalization of the cross-section for samples, which were either fully turgescent or had reduced turgor pressure. The double-layer endodermis substantially contributed to the mechanical stability of E. affinis and E. hyemale. Equisetum arvense, E. pratense, E. sylvaticum, and E. telmateja are mechanically stabilized by their single layer of endodermis at least under conditions of low turgor pressure.

Key Words: endodermis • Equisetum • mechanical tests • turgor pressure




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M. Milwich, T. Speck, O. Speck, T. Stegmaier, and H. Planck
Biomimetics and technical textiles: solving engineering problems with the help of nature's wisdom
Am. J. Botany, October 1, 2006; 93(10): 1455 - 1465.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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