Leaf optical properties and photosynthesis of fern species with a wide range of divergence time in relation to mesophyll anatomy.

Background And Aims: For a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of changing plant photosynthetic capacity during plant evolutionary history, knowledge of leaf gas exchange and optical properties are essential, both of which relate strongly to mesophyll anatomy. Although ferns are suitable for investigating the evolutionary history of photosynthetic capacity, comprehensive research of fern species has yet to be undertaken in this regard.

Methods: We investigated leaf optical properties, gas exchange and mesophyll anatomy of fern species with a wide range of divergence time, using 66 ferns from natural habitats and eight glasshouse-grown ferns.