Crassulacean acid metabolism in selected terrestrial succulents in southeastern Jamaica,including two species in the Commelinaceae |
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Authors: | Craig E Martin Valerie S Loeschen Lloyd B Coke |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Botany, University of Kansas, 66045-2106 Lawrence, KS, USA;(2) Department of Botany, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, 7 Kingston, Jamaica |
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Abstract: | Summary Using determinations of overnigh changes in tissue titratable acidity and of tissue stable carbon isotope ratios, 10 species
of terrestrial succulents were investigatedin situ in southeastern Jamaica for the presence of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Eight of the 10 species exhibited CAM (sensu lato), confirming past reports of CAM inClusia flava (Clusiaceae),Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae),Euphorbia tirucalli (Euphorbiaceae), andPedilanthus tithymaloides (Euphorbiaceae) and extending the number of species with CAM in two genera previously known to contain CAM species (Agave sobolifera Agavaceae] andSansevieria metalllica Liliaceae]). Stems of bothE. tirucalli andP. tithymaloides exhibited CAM while the leaves of both species were intermediate with regard to photosynthetic pathway. The lack of CAM acid
fluctuations inTalinum paniculatum (Portulacaceae) was surprising given past findings with all other species investigated in this genus. Shoots ofPilea microphylla (Urticaceae) were C3 yet were remarkable in their extremely high pH. Both species require further investigation. Nocturnal acid accumulations
indicative of CAM were found inTripogandra multiflora andCallisia fragrans, both members of the Commelinaceae. This represents the first report of CAM (probably “CAM-cycling”) in this family. |
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Keywords: | Carbon isotope ratios Commelinaceae Crassulacean acid metabolism Succulents Terrestrial |
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