PhD defence by Marc Fradera i Soler

Characterization and ecophysiological relevance of succulence-related traits in the leaf-succulent genus Crassula, with special reference to cell walls and foliar water uptake

Succulent plants are drought-resistant plants that store water in their tissues, a feature that has evolved independently in numerous plant lineages. Cell walls in succulent tissues are able to fold as water is lost, allowing for volume changes and preventing irreversible damage. Cell wall traits are expected to play an important role in the succulent function, yet their ecophysiological significance has long been overlooked. On another note, water uptake through the leaves has long been suspected in the leaf-succulent genus Crassula, with many species occurring in semi-arid habitats with regular fog and/or dew in southern Africa. However, solid empirical proof and additional visual evidence in support of this phenomenon are still lacking. This PhD thesis aimed to address these two major knowledge gaps.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Bodil Jørgensen, PLEN
Mgr. Jozef Mravec PhD,  Slovak Academy of Sciences
Dr Olwen M. Grace, RBG Kew, UK

Assessment committee

Professor Gudrun Kadereit, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München
Emeritus Professor Paul Knox, University of Leeds
Professor Peter Ulvskov, PLEN (Chair)