Variability in Crassulacean Acid Metabolism: A Survey of North Carolina Succulent Species
Martin CE, Lubbers AE, Teeri JA. 1982. Variability in Crassulacean Acid Metabolism: A Survey of North Carolina Succulent Species. Botanical Gazette. 143(4):491-497
ABSTRACT: The correlation between succulence and Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) was investigated in 28 succulent species growing in various habitats throughout North Carolina. Three species (Opuntia compressa, Agave virginica, and Tillandsia usneoides) exhibited diurnal fluctuations in tissue titratable acidity, nighttime uptake of '4CO2, and a high carbon isotope ratio (613C), all indicators of CAM. Seven species displayed one or two characteristics of CAM in situ yet yielded lower 613C values, indicating a partial or total restriction of atmospheric CO2 uptake to the C3 photosynthetic system: Yucca gloriosa, Sesuvium maritimurn, Talinurm teretifoliuum, Diarnorplha smallii, Sedum pusillurn, Sedurn nevii, and Sedum telephioides. Several of these species were apparently capable of utilizing the CAM pathway to fix internal respiratory CO2. The results emphasize that one photosynthetic pathway does not characterize all succulents in North Carolina.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Martin, Craig; Lubbers, Anne; Teeri, James
- Units
- BLRI
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, BLRI, Blue Ridge Parkway, Crassulacea, Sedum nevii, Sedum telephioides, SER, Southeast Region, stonecrop, Talinum teretifolium, vascular plants