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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 55(4)

Desiccation-induced ultrastructural and biochemical changes in the leaves of the resurrection plant Myrothamnus flabellifolia

John P. Moore A , Meredith Hearshaw B , Neil Ravenscroft B , George G. Lindsey A C , Jill M. Farrant A and Wolf F. Brandt A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.

B Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.

C Corresponding author. Email: Lindsey@science.uct.ac.za

Australian Journal of Botany 55(4) 482-491 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT06172
Submitted: 15 August 2005  Accepted: 22 January 2007   Published: 20 June 2007

Abstract

Light microscopy and low-temperature scanning electron microscopy were used to systematically compare the surface and internal ultrastructures of hydrated and desiccated leaves of the resurrection plant Myrothamnus flabellifolia (Welw.). This revealed that leaf tissue underwent considerable shrinkage and collapse on desiccation but was supported by a framework of vascular and sclerenchymous tissue, which is responsible for the fan-like shape of the leaves. In addition, the leaf ribs were covered with wax and an internal wax cuticle was observed. Biochemical analysis showed that the cyanidin 3-glucoside content increased on desiccation as did the trehalose and sucrose contents. Salt deposits were observed at the apices of desiccated leaves in the proximity of hydathode-like structures. We propose that this might regulate the leaf salt content since decreased intracellular cation concentration was observed in desiccated leaves. We believe that these unique adaptations contribute to the remarkable desiccation-tolerance properties of this plant.


Acknowledgements

J. P. M. gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the University of Cape Town, Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (Germany) and the National Research Foundation. J. M. F. acknowledges the financial support of the National Research Foundation. The authors also thank Miranda Waldron and Mohammed Jaffer (UCT electron microscope unit) for their expert technical assistance.


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