Plants Respond to GSM-Like Radiation.

In this article, we propose that an organism's general architecture is of primary importance for its ability to perceive electromagnetic radiation. Animals develop mainly as volumes for internal assimilation and appendages to increase their mobility, while plants develop as surfaces to optimize interaction with the environment. As a consequence, the proportion of cells directly interacting with EMF radiation at the organism/environment interface is much higher in plants than it is in animals, making them especially suited to study EMF effects on life.

Development of woody branch attachments in Schefflera (Araliaceae or Apiaceae).

Attachment of branches in Schefflera is unusual in that it involves fingerlike woody extensions that originate in the cortex and pass gradually into the woody cylinder of the parent shoot. We tested the hypothesis that these structures could be roots since Schefflera is a hemi-epiphyte with aerial roots. These branch traces originate by secondary development in the many leaf traces (LTs) of the multilacunar node together with associated accessory traces. In the primary condition, the LTs may be described as cortical bundles. Leaves are long persistent and can maintain a primary stem connection across a broad cylinder of secondary xylem. Under the stimulus of branch development, the LTs form a template for secondary vascular development. Because the LT system is broad, with many traces, the branch attachment is also broad. The fingerlike extensions are attached to the surface of the woody cylinder of the parent stem but are progressively obscured as a continuous cambium is formed. Bark tissues are included within the branch axil because of the extended cortical origin of the initial attachment. The results are discussed in the context of branch-trunk unions in tropical plants, an important component of canopy development.