Abstract: Structural variations in the convergent passages of water conducting elements were described in secondary xylem of 70 species of Fagaceae. Two types of water conducting systems were recognized on the ground of water-flow directions. The convergent passages of the longitudinal system mainly exhibited in the forms as perforations between the ends of Vessel elements, lateral wall pitting between the lateral walls of vessel elements, pitting be-tween vessel elements and imperforate tracheary elements, and pitting between imperforate tracheary elements. The convergent passages in the transverse system consisted of pitting between vessel elements and ray cells, pitting between imperforated tracheary elements and ray cells and simple pitting between ray cells. In addition, the roles of vasicentric tracheids and broad rays played in terms of conducting effectiveness and efficiency as proposed by Zimmermann were discussed.

Key words: Conducting systems, Convergent passages, Secondary xylem, Fagaceae