MSGID: 1:317/3 630e5054   
   PID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08   
   TID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08   
    EPOD - a service of USRA   
      
   The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes   
   and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and   
   archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory   
   captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The   
   community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and   
   relevant links.   
      
      
    Hollow Stems in Amaryllis belladonna   
      
      August 30, 2022   
      
       Menashe_Stems   
      
       Menashe_Stems2   
      
      Photographer: Menashe Davidson  menashe.davidson@gmail.com   
      
      Summary Author: Menashe Davidson  menashe.davidson@gmail.com   
      
      While in my home-garden (in Rishon LeZion, Israel), I observed the   
      erect hollow leafless stems of  Amaryllis belladonna plant, also   
      known as the Amaryllis lily and the August lily. Carrying   
       inflorescences they bear showy funnel-shaped flowers (1st photo). I   
      questioned the purpose of why there are hollow stems in some plants.   
       Stems of course provide a transport system, mechanical support, and   
      a primary growth point for plant. They also improve the presentation of   
      the plant’s sexual organs, thereby increasing the plant's chance of   
      reproduction.   
      
      The common misconception was to believe that the hollow stem is solely   
      for nutrient or water transport. But when I cut the stem in various   
      heights, I learned that the hollow stem holds water only in the bottom   
      4 or 5 inches (12 cm) -- most of the stem contains air (2nd photo).   
      
       Scientists In University of Guelph (Ontario) studied differences in   
      plant stem type, and how effectively they regulate their temperature.   
      They found that the stem lumen (hollow portion of the stem) allows the   
      plant to maintain a distinct internal microclimate and in the present   
      of sunlight, the temperature in the lumen was slightly above that of   
      the ambient air. Increases in temperature encourages growth of sexual   
      organs in plants, which in turn helps the flower to develop quickly,   
      becoming more prominent to pollinators. And this effect is exactly what   
      I observed in Amaryllis flowers. (Below)   
      
       Menashe_Stems3   
      
      
      Rishon LeZion, Israel Coordinates: 31.9730, 34.7925   
      
      
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