Effect of NaCl on the photosynthetic pathways of halophytic leaf succulent Sedum uniflorum

The effect of NaCl on the photosynthetic pathways of the only halophytic subtropical species Sedum uniflorum was examined in the field in northern Taiwan and in the laboratory. Plants growing in the field exhibited CAM-cycling regardless of salt content in their tissues. In contrast, NaCl treatment in the laboratory induced CAM photosynthesis, while control plants exhibited a C-3-CAM intermediacy. This high level of photosynthetic pathway variablility matches that of other Sedum species.