Ecological anatomy in halophytes with C4 photosynthesis: discussing adaptatve features in endangered ecosystems

[EN] The Chenopodiaceae halophyte species provide perhaps the ideal model to study the ecological adaptations in relations with extreme environmental conditions. Closely linked with saline habitats, the chenopods with Kranz anatomy represents a striking and intriguing example of coevolution. In this study, we investigate the Kranz anatomy in a holistic manner in halophytes vegetating in two nature reserves, here regarded as rare and endangered ecosystems. This issue, apart from its scientific interest – as an adaptive, ecological and evolutive feature – also suggests the compulsory necessity to protect these areas, in order to preserve the floristic diversity in such menaced ecosystemsThis paper was published with support provided by the POSDRU/89/1.5/S/49944 project “Developing the innovation capacity and improving the impact of research through post-doctoral programmes”.Grigore, MN.; Toma, C.; Zamfirache, M.; Boscaiu, M.; Olteanu, Z.; Cojocaru, D. (2012). Ecological anatomy in halophytes with C4 photosynthesis: discussing adaptatve features in endangered ecosystems. Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences. 7(2):13-21. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/78758S13217