The role of polyphenols and the cell wall in relation to the desiccation tolerance of the resurrection plant, Myrothamnus flabellifolia (Welw.)
Doctoral Thesis
2006
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Resurrection plants are unique in that their vegetative tissue has the ability of survive reversible dehydration to an air-dry state. The widespread African resurrection plant Myrothamnus flabellifolia (Welw), woody shrub, is one of the largest of these plants. In addition to its resurrection ability it is also an important medicinal plant and is used by local tribes in the various regions where it grows to treat a wide variety of ailments. This thesis has investigated a number of morphological, ultrastructural and biochemical adaptations of the leaves of M. flabellifolia to dessication and associated stresses. The main aim of this thesis was to ascertain the role of polyphenols and the cell wall of M. flabellifolia in relation to its desiccation tolerance.
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Includes bibliographical references (p. 160-191).
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Moore, J. 2006. The role of polyphenols and the cell wall in relation to the desiccation tolerance of the resurrection plant, Myrothamnus flabellifolia (Welw.). University of Cape Town.