How do newly matured vessels start conducting water? The significance of lateral pathways for connecting newly matured vessels to the transpiration stream.

Despite the long history of research on xylem structure and function, there are no reports in the literature explaining how xylem vessel elements began conducting water just after their maturation. This study was conducted to demonstrate the anatomical arrangement of newly matured vessels, looking specifically for the first pathways connecting newly matured vessels to the transpiration stream. Using the developing stems of Paraserianthes lophantha (Willd.