Poster: Ecophysiology

Abs # 8: The Structure / Function Relationship In Cardoon, A Drought Tolerant Phytocolonialist

Presenter:	Al-Jamali, Abbas F., jamali@just.edu.jo
Authors	Al-Jamali, Abbas F. (A)
Affiliations:	(A): Abbas F. Al-Jamali Jordan University Of Science & Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of Plant Production

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus L., is a successful phyto-colonialist. Originating in the Mediterranean region where it is a prized specialty vegetable and culinary delicacy. It was observed by Charles Darwin, on his Beagle voyage, covering enormous expanses of land in Argentina. It is also considered a noxious weed in California. Once established, in an arid (less than 150 mm annual rainfall) drought-stressful region of Jordan, it has survived for more than seven years without irrigation. We have observed it to include in its self defense arsenal both the hypersensitive reaction and self-mulching. Here we will present photomicrographs of double stained freehand sections showing the specific anatomy of Cardoon’s perennial tap root where alternating layers of heterogeneous xylem and water storing parenchyma may play an important role in permitting the plant to survive through the hot dry summers of the "Badia" or Northern Arabian Desert.