A study ori some of the physiological and ultrastructural changes occurring on desiccation and rehydration of Myrothamnus fiabellifolia

ABSTRACT

Some of the physiological and ultrastructural changes occurring during the

dehydration and rehydration of the "resurrection" plant Myrothamnus

flabellifolia were investigated. The changes in stem and leaf orientation

through angles greater than 45 degrees were recorded, and these changes,

along with the change in adaxial leaf surface pigmentation, may serve to

limit bright-light and/or thermal damage to these plants. M flabellifolia

retained more than 70% total chlorophyll content, and there was little

change in carotenoid content across changes in water status. The

maintenance of membrane integrity throughout dehydration and

rehydration was indicated by low levels of electrolyte leakage, as well as

ultrastructural micrographs, although a slight increase in leakage at low

water contents (

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