Photosynthetic physiological characteristics, growth performance, and element concentrations reveal the calcicole-calcifuge behaviors of three species.

We grew three yellow species (the calcifuge and , and the calcicole ) in acidic and calcareous soils for 7 months and assessed their photosynthetic physiological characteristics, growth performance, and element concentrations in this developmental context. The calcifuge and species exhibited poor growth with leaf chlorosis, growth stagnation, and root disintegration in calcareous soils, and with their , , , / , ΦPSII, ETR, qP, leaf Chla, Chlb, and Chl(a + b) concentrations, and root, stem, leaf, and total biomass being significantly lower when grown in calcareous soils relative to in acidic soils. In contrast, the calcicole grew well in both acidic and calcareous soils, with few differences in the above parameters between these two soil substrates. The absorption and/or transportation of nutrient elements such as N, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe by the two calcifuge species plants grown in calcareous soils were restrained. Soil type plays a major role in the failure of the two calcifuge species to establish themselves in calcareous soils, whereas other factors such as competition and human activity are likely more important limiting factors in the reverse case. This study furthers our understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of these rare and endangered yellow species, allowing for improved management of these species in conservation projects and horticultural production.