Photosynthetica 2010, 48(1):42-50 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-010-0007-6

The photosynthetic pathway of the roots of twelve epiphytic orchids with CAM leaves

C.E. Martin1,*, E.J. Mas2, C. Lu2, B.L. Ong2
1 Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
2 Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

The photosynthetic pathway of the roots (both the white velamentous main portions and the green, nonvelamentous tips) was investigated in twelve taxa (natural species and intergeneric hybrid cultivars) of epiphytic orchids having CAM leaves. All organs contained chlorophyll, and the a/b ratios indicate that the organs, especially the roots, are likely shade-adapted. Stable carbon isotope ratios of the tissues were near -15‰ for all organs, a value typical of obligate (constitutive) CAM plants. Values for root tissues were slightly lower (more negative) than those of the leaves. The presence of CAM in the leaves of these orchids did not ensure that their roots performed CAM photosynthesis. Further work is needed to address the questions raised in this study and to determine if the photosynthetic roots of these taxa are capable of assimilating atmospheric CO2.

Additional key words: chlorophyll; CO2 exchange; δ13C, 12C; velamen

Received: June 26, 2009; Accepted: December 17, 2009; Published: March 1, 2010  Show citation

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Martin, C.E., Mas, E.J., Lu, C., & Ong, B.L. (2010). The photosynthetic pathway of the roots of twelve epiphytic orchids with CAM leaves. Photosynthetica, 48(1), 42-50. doi: 10.1007/s11099-010-0007-6
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