Photosynthetic pathway types of evergreen rosette plants (Liliaceae) of the Chihuahuan Desert

TitlePhotosynthetic pathway types of evergreen rosette plants (Liliaceae) of the Chihuahuan Desert
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1982
AuthorsKemp P.R, Gardetto PE
JournalOecologia
Volume55
Pagination149-156
Date Published1982
Call Number00157
Keywordsarticle, articles, Dasylirion, photosynthetic pathway, journal, journals, Liliaceae, photosynthetic pathway, Nolina, photosynthetic pathway, photosynthetic pathway, Liliaceae, plant, Dasylirion, plant, Nolina, plant, photosynthetic pathway, plant, Yucca, Yucca, photosynthetic pathway
AbstractDiurnal patterns of CO2 exchange and titratable acidity were monitored in sex species of evergreen rosette plants growing in controlled environment chambers and under outdoor environmental conditions. These patterns indicated that two of the species, Yucca baccata and Y. torreyi, were constitutive CAM plants while the other species, Y. elata, Y. campestris, Nolina microcarpa, and Dasylirion wheeleri, were C3 plants. C3 species did not exhibit CAM when grown in any of several different temperature, photoperiod, and moisture regimes. Both photosynthetic pathway types appear adapted to desert environments and all species show environmentally induced changes in their photosynthetic responses consistent with desert adaptation. The results of this study do not indicate that changes in the photosynthetic pathway type are an adaptation in any of these species.