C₄ photosynthesis in genus Cleome

C₄ photosynthesis in genus Cleome

The genus Cleome (Cleomaceae) includes more than 200 species including one, C. gynandra, that is known to be C₄ and two others that are believed to be. Koteyeva et al.  show that all three have features of C₄ photosynthesis in their leaves and cotyledons. They are NAD-malic enzyme-type C₄ species, and two very different forms of leaf morphology and Kranz anatomy have evolved in the genus, with adaptations to different environments that are supported by biogeographical information.