Photosynthetic pathways and the ecological distribution of the chenopodiaceae in Isreal

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Abstract
Fifty-four species of the Chenopodiaceae in Israel were examined for their anatomical features, δ13C values, habitat and phytogeographical distribution. 17 species have δ13C values between -20‰ and -30‰and non-Kranz anatomy (NK) and are therefore considered as C3 plants. 37 species have δ13C values between -10‰ and -18‰ and Kranz or C4-Suaeda type anatomy and are therefore considered as C4 plants. Some C4 plants have leaf structure which seems to be intermediate between the Kranz and the C4-Suaeda type of leaf anatomy. The segregation of the species into photosynthetic groups shows tribal and phytogeographical grouping. Most of the C3 Chenopods are either mesoruderal plants or coastal halophytes, with a distribution area which covers the Euro-Siberian as well as the Mediterranean phytogeographical regions. The C4 Chenopods are mainly desert or steppe xerohalophytes with a distribution area which includes the Saharo-Arabian and/or Irano-Turanian phytogeographical regions.