Stängelaufnahme

Stängelaufnahme is a German term that translates to "stem uptake" or "stem absorption" and primarily refers to the process by which plants absorb water and nutrients through their stems. While the roots are the primary organs for nutrient and water acquisition, stems can also play a supplementary role, especially in certain environmental conditions or for specific plant species.

This uptake can occur through various tissues within the stem, including lenticels, specialized pores found on the bark, and directly through the epidermis. The absorbed substances then move through the plant's vascular system, primarily the xylem, to reach other parts of the plant, such as the leaves and flowers.

Stängelaufnahme is often more significant in situations where root uptake is limited, such as during prolonged drought or when the root system is damaged. Some epiphytic plants, which grow on other plants without being parasitic, rely heavily on stem and leaf surfaces for moisture and nutrient absorption from the atmosphere. The rate and extent of stängelaufnahme can be influenced by factors like humidity, temperature, and the presence of substances on the stem surface. While not as dominant as root absorption, it remains an important physiological process contributing to a plant's overall survival and growth.