Physiological and structural adjustments of two ecotypes of L. from different habitats in response to drought and re-watering.

covers a very fragmented area in Europe and, at the edge of its natural distribution, is considered a relic endangered species near extinction. In our study, it was hypothesized that individuals from the edge of the habitat, with stronger climate constrains (drier and warmer environment, Italy, IT ecotype), developed different mechanisms of adaptation than those growing under optimal conditions at the center of the habitat (more humid and colder environment, Bulgaria, BG ecotype). Indeed, the two ecotypes displayed physiological, structural and functional differences already under control (unstressed) conditions.