FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE REDUCTION OF FUSIFORM CAMBIAL CELLS IN THUJA OCCIDENTALIS L.

Abstract

The multiplication of fusiform initials in the cambium is accompanied by extensive loss or transformation of these cells. A few of the failing cambial cells lapse into maturation quickly, but the majority are transversely subdivided with varying proportions of the segments surviving and undergoing ultimate conversion to ray initials. The loss or conversion is attended with reduction in cell size. Increase in cell volume lags behind cell division during the periclinal divisions of the transitional period. The tangential dimensions of the successively formed cells are continuously reduced, and sometimes radial expansion is also retarded, especially toward the cell tips. Simultaneous shortening of the cells is due to alteration in cell shape combined with asymmetry in periclinal division such that daughter cells of unequal lengths are produced. Repetition of the process, the smaller cell functioning as the initiating cambial cell in each instance, results in continued shortening.