Caratteristiche ecofisiologiche nella specie Chamaerops humilis L.: due anni di osservazioni

Objective of this paper is to acquire further information on the ecophysiological behaviour and strategy response to drought of Chamaerops humilis L. Seasonal pattern of water potential and leaf gas exchange were observed on four individuals. In addition, leaf chlorophyll content was measured. Preliminary results shown that severe water stress conditions, typical of this ecosystem, lead the dwarf palm to a decrease of physiological activities, even thought no break in physiological activity occurred throughout the year. This confirmed that Chamaerops humilis developed strategies for overcoming severe drought conditions and is well adapted to the Mediterranean summer conditions.