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Image Title: Oreocereus celsianus growing in the altiplano of northern Argentina
Image Credit: James D. Mauseth, University of Texas
AJB Editor: Karl Niklas, Cornell University
Intended End User: Teacher, Student
License Details: BSA - Terms for Image Use
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About the Image

Plants of Oreocereus celsianus growing in the altiplano of northern Argentina at an altitude of 4000 m. These cacti have dimorphic wood. While young and small they produce a soft spongy wood and the body is supported by turgor. When older, taller, and heavier they produce a fibrous wood strong wnough to support the body.

Link to the AJB Abstract for the article:

Presence of paratracheal water storage tissue does not alter vessel characters in cactus wood

National Science Foundation  Development Supported by the National Science Foundation