Adaptive Strategies of the Centrospermeae Species with Different Photosynthetic Systems in the Semi-Arid and Saline Areas in Mt. Kulal - Mt. Elgon Habitats in Kenya.

Abstract

Centrospermeae species were collected at different sites along gradient of altitude and aridity in the semi-arid, saline and arid habitats in western region of Kenya. δ13C values and Kranz leaf anatomy were used to examine for C3, C4 C3-C4 intermediate and Crassulacean metabolism (CAM) species photosynthesis. ẟ13C values and Kranz leaf anatomy were used to differentiate the C3 plant species from the C4 species. The C4, C3, C3-C4 and CAM species were confirmed to be present in the Centrospermeae group in different proportionate percentage. Interspecific species occur in the group. The morphological, anatomical, physiological and biochemical adaptive strategies of the C3, C4,C3-C4and CAM species of the Centrospermeae group are discussed