ECO-PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON PLANTS IN ARID AND SEMI-ARID REGIONS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

The article discusses some comparative studies on photosynthesis, respiration and water relations of 10 arid zone and two semi-arid zone plants under winter and late summer climatic conditions. Data on carbon dioxide exchange and water relations were obtained for eight arid and two semi-arid zone native plant species of Western Australia. In late summer, all species showed a positive carbon dioxide balance which indicates that there is sufficient soil water in deeper soil layers. All the species tested possess a high heat resistance and are well suited to their natural environment.