サボテンの吸水

抄録

Water absorption mechanism is explained by water potential. This mechanism relates the balance of energy potential. Leaves are one of the important organs for considering the water absorption of plants. However, the cactus has no leaf. We investigated the water absorption of cactus to understand the mechanism of water absorption of plant from engineering point of view. We examined the surface of cactus using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Cactus has stoma on the epidermis of the stem. Spines are shaped like bundled thin tubes. We also visualized the path of water in the cactus by using dye solution. The results of observation show that spines and conduit are connected and vascular bundle was divided into two when the body is branching.