The book will describe the xylem structure of different plant groups and will put the findings
in a physiological and ecological context. For instance when differences in vessel diameter
are featured then there will be an explanation why this matters for water transport efficiency
and safety from cavitation. The focus is on the hydraulic function of xylem although
mechanical support and storage will also be covered. Featured plant groups include ferns (which
only have primary xylem) conifers (tracheid-based xylem) lianas (extremely wide and long
vessels) drought-adapted shrubs as well as the model systems poplar and grapevine. The book
chapters will draw on the expertise and cutting edge research of a diversified group of
internationally known researchers working in different anatomical and physiological
sub-disciplines. Over the last two decades much progress has been made in understanding how
xylem structure relates to plant function. Implications for other timely topics such as
drought-induced forest dieback or the regulation of plant biomass production will be discussed.
