Photosynthetic pathways and the ecological distribution of the chenopodiaceae in Isreal

Abstract

Fifty-four species of the Chenopodiaceae in Israel were examined for their anatomical features, δ¹³C values, habitat and phytogeographical distribution. 17 species have δ¹³C values between -20‰ and -30‰and non-Kranz anatomy (NK) and are therefore considered as C₃ plants. 37 species have δ¹³C values between -10‰ and -18‰ and Kranz or C₄-Suaeda type anatomy and are therefore considered as C₄ plants. Some C₄ plants have leaf structure which seems to be intermediate between the Kranz and the C₄-Suaeda type of leaf anatomy.The segregation of the species into photosynthetic groups shows tribal and phytogeographical grouping. Most of the C₃ Chenopods are either mesoruderal plants or coastal halophytes, with a distribution area which covers the Euro-Siberian as well as the Mediterranean phytogeographical regions. The C₄ Chenopods are mainly desert or steppe xerohalophytes with a distribution area which includes the Saharo-Arabian and/or Irano-Turanian phytogeographical regions.