Polysaccharides accumulated during the vegetation period represent the main organic reserve in the bulb, tuber or rhizome. Starch and fructans were found to be the main constituents. While geophytes storing starch or fructans are already well characterized little is known about those which store both starch and fructans. We focus on these geophytes and try to elucidate the role fructans play. The above ground organs possess features pointing towards an adaptation to the climatic conditions during the growing season.
Photosynthesis is characterized by a low temperature optimum.
Photorespiration prevents photoinhibition or photodamage during periods of high irradiance and leaf temperature. For geophytes the co-operative interaction between growth form and structure on the one side and physiology and biochemistry on the other side are still unknown. Geophytes accommodate a high number of medicinal plants. Due to an increasing demand of medicinal plants on the world market and the fact that selling these plants opens a possibility of earning some extra money these plants are often exploited by the indigenous population. This trend often counteracts sustainable use unless efforts are undertaken to elaborate cultivation methods.