Branching morphology, vascular bundle arrangement and ontogenetic development in leaf insertion zones and ramifications of three arborescent Araliaceae species

A conspicuous ‘finger-like’ branching morphology is described for three arborescent Araliaceae species with a focus on the three-dimensional vascular bundle arrangement in leaf insertion and stem–branch attachment regions during ontogenetic development. The central aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the structure and development in leaf insertions and stem–branch attachments of the arborescent Araliaceae species: Schefflera arboricola, Fatsia japonica and Polyscias balfouriana. Therefore, the vascular bundle arrangement in the leaf insertion zone and ontogenetic development of the stem–branch attachment after decapitation were analyzed, with a special focus on their conspicuous ‘finger-like’ branching morphology that, to our knowledge, is unique to the Araliaceae. Decortication of adult ramifications allows for a morphological analysis of the woody strands in the stem–branch attachment regions. Via high-resolution microscopy of serial thin-sections and 3D reconstructions, as well as cryotome sections, anatomical analysis was carried out of the course and arrangement of vascular bundles through leaf insertions and later developing ramifications, including a comparative analysis of the different ontogenetic stages. All three species investigated present a ‘finger-like’ branching morphology with variations in the number and arrangement of the woody strands. Thin-sectioning reveals a conspicuous pattern of leaf trace emergence from the main stem, proceeding into the leaf and the early developing ramifications. Vascular bundle derivatives contribute to the vascular integration of leaves and axillary buds. The described ‘finger-like’ branching morphology in the investigated Araliaceae species represents a sophisticated mode of vascular integration in leaf insertion zones and developing ramifications. In combination with forthcoming biomechanical experiments, this analysis shall serve as a basis for biomimetic translations into textile technology (fiber-reinforced branched composite materials) and civil engineering (optimization of branched building structures).