A study on the shade tolerance ofMuehlewbeckia complera

Abstract

Muehlewbeckia complera was introduced to China in 2002 as indoor-hanging ornamental foliage plant. The experiment of the shade tolerance for this species was carried out in different light intensities (0.14–946.00 μmol·m−2·s−1). After 40 days in experimental areas, leaf photosynthentic characteristics indexes ofM. complera in different photosynthesis active radiation (PAR) were measured with LI-COR6400 apparatus, such as the light compensation point, light saturation point, and maximum net photosynthesis rate, at the same time, the increments of total leaf area and leaf amount were measured. The results showed that the optimum light intensity range forM. complera was from 9.26 μmol·m−2·s−1 to 569.00 μmol·m−2·s−1 (463–28150 lx, relative humidity (RH) for 46–60%, temperature at 16–22°C). Under this condition, leaf photosynthetic efficiency was tiptop. AlthoughM. complera belonged to the moderate sun-adaptation plant species, the plant growth was inhibited when PAR increased to the level of 569.000 μmol·m−2·s−1 or above.M. complera could sprout new leaves in photosynthesis active radiation of 0.16–19.22 μmol·m−2·s−1 (8–961 lx), or 10 μmol·m−2·s−1 for above 6 h.