High altitude acclimatization in plants: Stomatal frequency and anatomical changes in leaves ofArtemisia species

During high altitude acclimatization both the number of stomata and their pore width decreased. The number of open stomata per unit leaf area in the morning and evening hours was higher as compared to that in plants grown at a lower altitude. Thickness of leaves also decreased at high altitudes but the effect on the size of epidermal, mesophyll and spongy parenchymatous cells varied from species to species. Adaptational significance of these changes are discussed.