Comparative Analysis of Embolism Dynamics in Biomimetic Models and Adiantum Leaves

Drought poses a significant threat to global forest ecosystems by potentially disrupting sap transport in plant hydraulic systems through air embolism. The mechanisms of air entry and subsequent spread within leaf veins, known as air seeding, are not yet fully understood. Leveraging a recently developed biomimetic leaf model, we conduct a side-by-side analysis of embolism dynamics in both Adiantum (maidenhair fern) leaves with linear venation and our synthetic counterparts. Our study reveals that the intermittent, or jerky, propagation patterns observed in Adiantum leaves can be replicated in biomimetic veins through the incorporation of constrictions that simulate membrane pits found in natural leaves. We demonstrate that this intermittency can be modeled effectively by coupling pressure fluctuations caused by these pits to the volume changes in the compliant veins. Our findings set the stage for a more comprehensive understanding of embolism growth in the complex, branched vein networks of angiosperm leaves, where unique hierarchical patterns have been observed.