C4 pathway of photosynthesis in a member of the polygonaceae: Calligonum persicum(Boiss. & Buhse) boiss

Abstract

Summary Initial products of 14CO2 fixation, CO2 compensation point and carbon isotope discrimination indicate the occurrence of the C4 dicarboxylic acid pathway of photosynthesis in Calligonum persicum. In this species, the green centric branches do not have the typical form of Kranz-anatomy with a concentric arrangement of mesophyll and bundle sheath layers around the vascular bundles. Instead, they possess two distinct, peripheral rings of green cells. Small vascular bundles adjoin the internal face of the inner layer of green cells, but only at intervals.