GALENIA-PUBESCENS - SALT-TOLERANT, DROUGHT-TOLERANT POTENTIAL SOURCE OF LEAF PROTEIN

G. pubescens (Eckl. and Zeyh.) Druce is a subtropical perennial herbaceous plant showing drought- and salt-tolerance. It is not obligate for salinity. Gas exchange data show that photosynthesis is not affected by 200 meq/l NaCl; water-use efficiency increases with increasing salt. Net photosynthetic rates of 50 mg CO2/dm2 h were recorded. Because of a large capacity to assimilate N, as much as 30% or more of the leaves can be protein. This species has higher extractable nitrate reductase activity than any previously reported for a higher plant. Part of its N supply may be semisymbiotic. The species has no dormancy and grows best during cooler months. Its widespread (up to 3 m in diameter), low, dense growth habit makes it capable of protecting hillsides from erosion. When provided with adequate moisture, its annual productivity can be as much as 8000 kg/ha dry material.