hydathode

views updated May 18 2018

hydathode A pore found in the epidermis of the leaves of certain plants. Like stomata, hydathodes are surrounded by two crescent-shaped cells but these, unlike guard cells, do not regulate the size of the aperture. Hydathodes are used by the plant to secrete water under conditions in which transpiration is inhibited; for example, when the atmosphere is very humid. This process of water loss is called guttation.

hydathode

views updated Jun 27 2018

hydathode A modified stoma, usually on a leaf, which remains open and secretes water during guttation.