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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao New Phytologistarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
New Phytologist
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
New Phytologist
Article . 2025
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Hygroscopic stem reshaping promotes long‐distance plant dispersal

Authors: Yuhong Luo; Zhenjie Guo; Jiquan Chen; Wenyuan Ruan; Xingliang Xu; Le Li; Yufan Bao; +5 Authors

Hygroscopic stem reshaping promotes long‐distance plant dispersal

Abstract

Summary Cleistogenes squarrosa is a pioneer tumble plant widely distributed across the Eurasian steppes. It achieves long‐distance wind dispersal through stem reshaping. However, the underlying ecological adaptation mechanisms of this dispersal strategy remain unexplored. Combining with field and laboratory observations, we revealed that four coordinated processes – plant phenology, cell wall development, water supplies, and aerodynamic adaptations – interactively facilitate the anemochory of this endemic species in the Eurasian steppes. Specifically, the development of the cell wall with heterogeneous microfibril arrangement plays a critical role in hygroscopic stem reshaping, which occurs in synchrony with seed maturation. Remarkably, the subsequently dry and windy season perfectly follows these two synchronized processes, providing ideal dehydration conditions for stem reshaping and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency for long‐distance dispersal. This model for long‐distance dispersal innovatively showcases how microscopic cell wall structure propels macroscopic dispersal capabilities and environmental adaptation, ultimately enhancing ecosystem resilience to environmental changes. Collectively, these results indicate the potential for promoting the introduction and cultivation of C. squarrosa to support the restoration of degraded and arid ecosystems. Moreover, this newly identified mechanism provides a valuable direction for future research aimed at developing herbaceous plant varieties with improved dispersal capabilities through molecular breeding techniques.

Keywords

Plant Stems, Cell Wall, Plant Dispersal, Water, Wind, Ecosystem

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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