Deconstructed Conductance: Axial and Radial Contributions to Water Flow

A measured value of total hydraulic conductance in the tank bromeliad Guzmania lingulata is decomposed into separate conductances in the axial and radial directions. This decomposition uses the numerical solution of a second order initial value problem where an unknown parameter is selected to satisfy a third boundary condition. The unknown parameter, representing radial conductance, is used to characterize the ability G. lingulata to conduct water through its axial and radial pathways.