Adaptative Strategies in Gymnocalycium Species (Cactaceae) and the Presence of Ectomycorrhizae Associated with Survival in Arid Environments

The Cactaceae family makes use of different strategies, both physiological and biochemical, for anatomical adjustments that allow them to grow reproduce in arid environments. Morphological studies Gymnocalycium have been scarce, the anatomy phytochemistry are still largely unknown. aim present work was analyze structural, physiological, biochemical features marianae G. oenanthemum, two endemic species regions Argentina. anatomic structure, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, as well phenolic compound contents, were analyzed stem, spine, root species. showed stems with deeper substomatal chambers a more developed tissue than oenanthemum. spines oenanthemum higher thicker epidermal subepidermal cell walls, content compounds those marianae. Ectomycorrhizae observed first time roots Roots high colonization, compounds. Both abundant mucilaginous fibers stem root. Finally, these results show strategies associated survival xeric environments cacti at risk extinction. They could be useful development ex situ conservation programs.