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Salinity, Halophytes and Salt Affected Natural Ecosystems

  • Chapter
Salinity: Environment - Plants - Molecules

Abstract

A high diversity of halophytes has evolved in predominantly arid regions. The mechanisms of salt resistance are manifold. Classification of halophyte types can be done by using various parameters. Ion ratios play an important role in adaptation of halophytes. Succulence is a special feature of halophytes, enhanced by salts in stem- as well as in leaf-succulents. Recretion of salts by salt-glands or bladders is another mechanism to cope with salinity. Natural saline ecosystems are occurring worldwide along coasts, but at inland sites are created predominantly in arid regions.

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  1. Department of Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld, Postal Box 100 131, D-33501, Bielefeld, Germany

    Siegmar-W. Breckle

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  1. University of California, Davis, CA, USA

    André Läuchli

  2. Darmstadt University of Technology, Darmstadt, Germany

    Ulrich Lüttge

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Breckle, SW. (2002). Salinity, Halophytes and Salt Affected Natural Ecosystems. In: Läuchli, A., Lüttge, U. (eds) Salinity: Environment - Plants - Molecules. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-48155-3_3

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