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Summary The occurrence of conducting vascular tissue in the pith (CVTP) of tracheophytes is noteworthy. Medullary bundles, one of the remarkable examples of CVTP, evolved multiple times across angiosperms, notably in the Caryophyllales. Yet, information on the occurrence of medullary bundles is fragmented, hampering our understanding of their structure–function relationships, and evolutionary implications.Using three plastid molecular markers (matK,rbcL, andrps16 intron), a phylogeny is constructed for 561 species of Caryophyllales, and anatomical data are assembled for 856 species across 40 families to investigate the diversity of medullary bundles, their function, evolution, and diversification dynamics. Additionally, correlated evolution between medullary bundles and successive cambia was tested.Medullary bundles are ancestrally absent in Caryophyllales and evolved in core and noncore families. They are structurally diverse (e.g. number, arrangement, and types of bundles) and functionally active throughout the plant's lifespan, providing increased hydraulic conductivity, especially in herbaceous plants. Acquisition of medullary bundles does not explain diversification rate heterogeneity but is correlated to a higher diversification rate.Disparate developmental pathways were found leading to rampant convergent evolution of CVTP in Caryophyllales. These findings indicate the diversification of medullary bundles and vascular tissues as another central theme for functional and comparative molecular studies in Caryophyllales. 

The arboreal ecosystem is vitally important to global and local biogeochemical processes, the maintenance of biodiversity in natural systems, and human health in urban environments. The ability to collect samples, observations, and data to conduct meaningful scientific research is similarly vital. The primary methods and modes of access remain limited and difficult. In an online survey, canopy researchers ( n = 219) reported a range of challenges in obtaining adequate samples, including ∼10% who found it impossible to procure what they needed. Currently, these samples are collected using a combination of four primary methods: (1) sampling from the ground; (2) tree climbing; (3) constructing fixed infrastructure; and (4) using mobile aerial platforms, primarily rotorcraft drones. An important distinction between instantaneous and continuous sampling was identified, allowing more targeted engineering and development strategies. The combination of methods for sampling the arboreal ecosystem provides a range of possibilities and opportunities, particularly in the context of the rapid development of robotics and other engineering advances. In this study, we aim to identify the strategies that would provide the benefits to a broad range of scientists, arborists, and professional climbers and facilitate basic discovery and applied management. Priorities for advancing these efforts are (1) to expand participation, both geographically and professionally; (2) to define 2–3 common needs across the community; (3) to form and motivate focal teams of biologists, tree professionals, and engineers in the development of solutions to these needs; and (4) to establish multidisciplinary communication platforms to share information about innovations and opportunities for studying arboreal ecosystems.