The Effect of Ions on Growth and Leaf Succulence of Atriplex hortensis var. cupreata

When plants of Atriplex hortensis var. cupreata were grown in solutions containing at least 100 mmoll−1 of various salts it was found that sodium was the ion most effective in stimulating leaf succulence, irrespective of whether the anion was chloride, bromide or sulphate. Potassium was the next most effective ion. Magnesium and calcium were without effect. Dry weight production could be greatly reduced by sodium and potassium but stimulated by magnesium. The results are compared with those previously reported for C4 species of Atriplex.