Cell wall polysaccharide and glycoprotein content tracks growth‐form diversity and an aridity gradient in the leaf‐succulent genus <scp><i>Crassula</i></scp>

Abstract Cell wall traits are believed to be a key component of the succulent syndrome, an adaptive syndrome drought, yet variability such remains largely unknown. In this study, we surveyed leaf polysaccharide and glycoprotein composition in wide sampling Crassula species that occur naturally along aridity gradient southern Africa, interpreted its significance relation growth form arid adaptation. To study glycomic diversity, sampled material from 56 taxa performed comprehensive microarray polymer profiling obtain relative content cell polysaccharides glycoproteins. This analysis was complemented by determination monosaccharide immunolocalization sections using glycan‐targeting antibodies. We found compact non‐compact occupy distinct phenotypic spaces terms glycomics, particularly regard rhamnogalacturonan I, arabinan side chains, arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs). Moreover, these components also correlated positively with increasing aridity, which suggests they likely advantageous These differences point having more elastic walls plasticizing properties, can as adaptation toward increased drought resistance. Furthermore, report intracellular pool AGPs associated oil bodies calcium oxalate crystals, could peculiarity linked Our results indicate glycomics may underlying resistance plants.