摘要:Net photosynthesis and water relations were investigated in situ for a population of Lindera melissifolia in northeast Arkansas. Photosynthetic light use efficiency was found to be characteristic of a shade plant. Response of photosynthesis to temperature and CO₂ was insensitive over ranges found during the growing season. High water use efficiency was demonstrated, but under typical conditions of low light this was marginally beneficial. In comparison -with competing understory plants, the species proved to be photosynthetically competent. The data are evaluated in terms of the survival potential of the species.