STOMATA OF THE CAM PLANT TILLANDSIA-RECURVATA RESPOND DIRECTLY TO HUMIDITY

Under controlled conditions, CO2 exchange of Tillandsia recurvata showed all characteristics of CAM. During the phase of nocturnal CO2 fixation stomata of the plant responded sensitively to changes in ambient air humidity. Dry air resulted in an increase, moist air in a decrease of diffusion resistance. The evaporative demand of the air affected the level of stomatal resistance during the entire night period. Due to stomatal closure, the total nocturnal water loss of T. recurvata was less at low than at high humidity. It is concluded that stomata respond directly to humidity and not via bulk tissue water conditions of the leaves. Such control of transpiration may optimize water use efficiency for this almost rootless, extreme epiphyte. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.