If I may be so bold as to step into a fray with those much more
knowledgeable than I, the capillary action only has to act over the length
of one "cell". And then the load (of lifting) is passed on to the next
cell.
royce
Geoff Spenceley wrote:
> Loverley, Chris wrote:
>
> No. As I recall, sap is primarily drawn up by the evaporation of water
> through the leaves. There may be some added benefit due to capillary
> action as well, but it is not the primary force..
>
> Peter wrote:
> Fair enough, but after the sap in the leaf evaporates to the air, what
> pushes or pulls more sap in ?<<
> Peter.
>
> Chris responded:
>
> >Vacuum. The water evaporating out of the leaf creates a partial
> pressure that draws up additional liquid to replace it. I don't
> remember all the nitty-gritty details, but if you know one you can ask a
> horticulturist. Chris <
>
> Well, I write: From sight glasses to trees for us "steam saps",
>
> So--I'll have leaves on me sight glass in Sacramento--not too many as I
> don't want to draw all the water out of the boiler--just enough to "put"
> those dam bubbles back into the boiler!!
>
> This is gettin' complicated--all the more fun--a little diversion.
>
> Geoff.
>
>
