Showing 1–12 z 14 results
Similar stems can belong to different Euphorbia species. Descriptions of new taxa from southern India show how cyathia, fruits and seeds complement characters visible in the whole plant [De Jong et al. 2026] [Naidu and Kusom 2026].
8 min readThe slender green stems and small leaves of Euphorbia tirucalli contribute to different patterns of carbon metabolism. Two experiments reveal how limited water changes growth, photosystem function and antioxidant defences, and why the response depends on both the organ and the genotype studied [Hastilestari et al. 2013] [Abuelsoud and Papenbrock 2019].
9 min readA fleshy leaf develops through cell growth and tissue organization. Studies of Agave tequilana and Crassothonna capensis reveal different levels of this process and help explain when increased DNA content accompanies cell enlargement [De la Torre-Espinosa et al. 2020] [Nakayama et al. 2026].
7 min readA change in the number of chromosome sets can alter leaf proportions and rosette appearance. Research on Echeveria shows how these changes can be identified and which traits persist in plants raised from leaf cuttings [Cabahug et al. 2020] [Cabahug et al. 2022].
7 min readAquatic crassulas show that the significance of CAM depends on the environment. Nocturnal storage of carbon compounds can help a submerged plant whose leaves remain surrounded by water. CO₂ availability, light and the use of reserves within tissues then become central. Leaf structure and metabolic timing together provide the basis for this strategy. [Jones 2011] [Males and Griffiths 2017]
7 min readA thick crassula leaf combines several tasks. It stores water, intercepts light and permits gas exchange, while its surface restricts moisture loss. A comparison of four species shows how differently these functions can be combined. The greatest water storage per unit area, the thickest cuticle and the highest stomatal density belonged to different plants in this experiment. [Jones 2011]
7 min readA thick stem can store water and assimilate carbon dioxide. Measurements by Eder and colleagues showed how differently similar-looking succulents distribute these functions. The three tested Pachypodium species followed C3 photosynthesis. Euphorbia trigona combined C3 leaves with nocturnal CO₂ fixation in its stem. [Eder et al. 1981]
2 min readA tall agave inflorescence provides large quantities of nectar and pollen, and its architecture influences interactions with animals. Comparisons of DNA and reproductive biology reveal a genus whose evolutionary history involves many traits and pollinators. [Jiménez-Barron et al. 2020] [Eguiarte et al. 2021]
2 min readAmong Arizona’s stone terraces, agaves still grow as descendants of lineages maintained by ancient farmers. Offsets and bulbils have connected successive generations of rosettes, preserving part of the biological legacy of former crops. A botanical review published in 2023 describes six such species and explains how their history is reconstructed. [Hodgson et al. 2023]
3 min readAt the centre of a stapeliad flower, five pollination units form a precise pollen transport mechanism. The structure of guide rails and glands links scent and nectar secretion with movement of a fly's mouthparts. [Meve and Liede 1994] [Płachno et al. 2010] [Shuttleworth et al. 2017] [Aliscioni et al. 2024]
2 min readScent, hairs and the structure of the flower centre guide successive stages of a fly's behaviour. Experiments show which traits attract it from a distance, which keep it on the flower and which enable pollen transport. [Meve and Liede 1994] [Jürgens et al. 2006] [Shuttleworth et al. 2017] [du Plessis et al. 2018] [Shuttleworth et al. 2026] [Meve et al. 2026]
3 min readWater-storage cells can shrink in an organised manner. Wall folding connects changes in volume with preservation of living tissue structure. [Fradera-Soler et al. 2022]
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