PHOTOSYNTHETIC CHARACTERISTIC OF AN ENDANGERED SPECIES CAMELLIA NITIDISSIMA AND ITS CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Camellia nitidissima is a shrub and a famous ornamental species with golden-yellow flowers. The responses of net photosynthetic rate (Pn) to the incident intensity (PFD) and the diurnal course of variation in major physiological and environmental variables of young and mature C. nitidissima were studied with LI-6400 (Li-Cor Inc., USA) portable photosynthesis system. The results showed that the leaves of C. nitidissima had the highest photosynthetic ability in autumn, the middle level of photosynthesis in summer and spring, and a relatively lower level of photosynthesis in winter. Mature plants of C. nitidissima had both relatively high the maximum net photosynthesis rate (Pmax) and light saturation point (LSP), indicating a good adaptability to both strong and weak lights; young plants of C. nitidissima had both relatively low Pmax and LSP, indicating a good adaptability to weak light, but a depression under strong light. C. nitidissima is a shade loving plant and should be planted in shade habitat. Some suggestions for the management of the species are proposed