Ecophysiological Adaptations Of Galax Aphylla To The Understory Of Southern Appalachian Forests

Galax aphylla is a common, evergreen, clonal herb found in the understory of forests in the southern Appalachian mountains. Little is known of the ecophysiology of galax or its adaptations to growing in the forest understory. The objectives of this study were to determine how leaf gas exchange and water relations change seasonally, and the influence of leaf age on these processes. In addition, we looked at the effects of additional nitrogen, water, and shade to determine their effects on leaf demography and gas exchange.