In this field desert plants as well as halophytes of the temperate and tropic regions constitute the main emphasis of the research. The diversity of the leaves of desert plants is remarkable. Succulent leaves with only one sort of tissue for storing water and photosynthesis exist while others have two distinct tissues a water storing hydrenchyma and a photosynthetice active chlorenchyma. Xeromorphic features are present in the leaves of Welwitschia mirabilis and Cliffortia dichotoma . Welwitschia develops large and tough leaves, while Cliffortia has small leaves with reduced lamina.
Halophytes do have several adaptations to the saline substrat.
Salt gland of Avicennia germinans Salt recretion via glands on the leaf surface is one strategy of mangroves regulating their ion content. Structure and function of these salt glands are investigated for different glasshouse grown spieces. Furthermore, salt exclusion by the roots of these plants is correlated with the occurence of an exodermis which is developed during early stages of differentiation of the fine roots. Anatomy and Histology of plants from extrem habitats. Useful Plants - from lightmicroscopical preparation to teaching preparation.