My research activities focus on two topics: functional plant morphology, especially with respect to plant water relations, and aluminium accumulation in plants. By integrating anatomical, physiological, and ecological aspects of plant hydraulic traits, we aim to address the longstanding question of how plants are able to transport water under negative pressure. Special attention is given to the following topics: (1) Effects of drought stress on water transport, (2) The morphology and function of bordered pit membranes between water conducting cells, (3) The location, origin, and functional role of insoluble, amphiphilic lipids in the hydraulic transport system of plants.