Ecophysiology of the Sand Sedge, Carex arenaria L. III. Xylem translocation and the occurrence of patches of vigorous growth within the continuum of a rhizomatous plant system

The older shoots on the rhizome of the sand sedge have a lower waterpotential than the younger ones closer to the rhizome tip. The xylem translocation stream, that runs through the rhizome in accordance with the gradient in waterpotential from tip to base, could be demonstrated in translocation experiments with acid fuchsine dye and lead (EDTA) chelate. The occurrence of patches of vigorous growth within the continuum of a sand sedge plant system can be explained by the properties of the xylem translocation system of the plant.