A Study on the Root of Ophioglossum Petiolatum Hook

Abstract

Growth habit and both internal and external structure of root of Ophioglossum petiolatum Hook. were investigated. It was found that the sporophyte of this plant possesses many characteristics which are highly adapted to a dry terrestrial habitat. Although the roots are without root hairs, the internal structure of the root shows that the smooth surface of root epidermis is the side of water absorption. The Casparian strip is no t continuous, but rather is broken by many minute pores. This observation leads us to suggest that these openings function in promoting the periclinal translocation of suger from the sieve cells to every endodermal cells, so that the endodermis may proceed smoothly in its osmotic absorption of water into the stele.