SOME RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN XEROPHYTISM AND THE CONTENT OF RESIN, NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID AND PROTEIN OF LARREA DIVARICATA CAV

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Abstract
Evidence is presented showing statistically significant chemical differences in nordihydroguaiaretic acid, resin and protein content between plants in the same condition consisting largely of mature and of immature leaves, respectively. These findings may have importance in view of the singular ability of the immature leaves to continue growth after periods of the most intense drought. Previous workers have been unable find any significant differences between the 2 leaf groups on the basis of morphological, moisture and osmotic pressure studies sufficient to explain their prefound physiological difference. This study while preliminary in nature suggests the need for further detailed chemical studies on Larrea as an aid in explaining its remarkable drought resistance.