Sedum alfredii is a newly found cadmium (Cd)-hyperaccumulator, but there have been no detailed studies on its physiological responses when Cd is hyperaccumulated. Leaf expansion and root growth were inhibited significantly at high Cd concentrations, and Cd was suggested to suppress cell expansion and induce senescence. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis indicated that its photosynthesis appeared to be unaffected. Decreased Fv/Fm correlated well with decreased water content of leaves. Cd treatments were demonstrated to result in an increase of chlorophyll content. The chlorophyll a/b ratio showe...
