Abstract: The mean value of leaf water potential (LWP) of the mesophytes, the less-succulent xerophytes and the succulent xerephytes was –13.5, –18.09 and –26.09 bars respectively. The bound water content (BWC), and the ratio of bound water content to free water content (B/E ratio) for the succulent xerophytes (174.0% and 4.8) were higher than those for the mesophytes (52.5% and 0.37) and the less-succulent xerophytes (76.8% and 1.0). The transpiration rate of the mesophytes, less-succulent xerophytes and succulent xerophytes was 1146.5, 866.3 and 422.8 mg/g. fw. h respectively. The water holding capacity (WHC) of the succulent xerophytes was the strongest among those of the three types, while that of the mesophytes was the weakest. The xerophytes, both the succulent and the less-succulent, have the following xeromorphic structures: thick cuticle, sundan stomata, dense epidermal hairs, well-developed palisade tissue and degenerated spongy tissue, the high ratio of palisade tissue to spongy tissue, and equilateral leaves. Besides, succulent xerophytes possess other xeromorphic structures: thick leaves, well-developed water storing tissue, high ratio of water tissue to leaf thickness, and the succulent leaves. The mesophytes exhibit the following mesophilous structures, thin cuticle, levelling or arching up stomata, low ratio of palisade tissue to spongy tissue, and back-belly leaves.

Key words: Leaf water potential, Bound water, Free water, Transpiration rate, Water-holding capacity, Xeromorphic structure