Table 1.

Basic model assumptions

Leaves are single-vein structures that can build tissue around the vein in a planar geometry.
Water potential must remain above set threshold for vein or mesophyll tissue to remain alive.
Water can enter the leaf only through the petiole. Pressure of water entering the leaf is held constant for all model runs.
Water can leave the system through any portion of the leaf in response to a constant evaporative demand.
Leaf hydraulic properties are described with four dimensionless parameters with realistic ratios:
Axial resistance of the vein RA
Radial resistance of the vein (porosity or leakage) RR
Resistance to water flow in the mesophyll RM
Surface resistance (stomatal and cuticular) RS
Overall leaf length and width are limited to 220 and 200 times the vein diameter. Vein length is limited to 200 times its diameter.