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False ring formation in baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) saplings under two flooding regimes

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Abstract

Baldcypress saplings were subjected to two flooding regimes of continuous and periodic inundation for three years to allow comparison of annual ring characteristics. Basal stem discs were examined for the number and nature of intra-annual response features, such as false rings. The formation of latewood was also compared for trees from each flooding regime. Radial growth was significantly greater in saplings from the continuously flooded treatments for years 2 and 3. No significant difference was found between treatments for the total number of response features present; however, periodically flooded saplings developed a significantly higher number of major false rings. Trees from this regime also consistently produced a greater number of thick-walled, latewood-type cells associated with false rings and annual rings.

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Young, P.J., Megonigal, J.P., Sharitz, R.R. et al. False ring formation in baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) saplings under two flooding regimes. Wetlands 13, 293–298 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03161295

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03161295

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