Abstract
ObjectivesThe living stems of Isodon rubescens (Hemsley) H. Hara peels and withers when the air temperature is below 0 °C in winter. The peels and withers evidently hamper the growth of I. rubescens. This report analyses the reason that causes I. rubescens stems to peel and wither in winter. MethodsThe field investigation and paraffin sections of I. rubescens stems (peeled and intact) were performed. ResultsThe results showed that I. rubescens stems extruded ice ribbons at air temperature below 0 °C. The enlarged ice ribbons separated the phloem from the xylem, burst the phloem and even the whole bark of the I. rubescens stems. ConclusionsThe phloem was separated from the xylem by the enlarged ice ribbons. The phloem and the whole bark of the I. rubescens stems were torn when ice ribbons appeared. The damaged stem could not transport water and nutrition to the upper section. The upper stem above the ice ribbons withered because it could not receives water and nutrition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
