Abstract:In order to understand the eco-physiological characters of Terminalia catappa, its leaf morphology, physiology, nutrient element contents and the rhizosphere soil characteristics were studied grown in Yongxing Island, Xisha Islands. The results showed that T. catappa had low specific leaf area, thick leaf thickness and low stomatal density. The chlorophyll a/b (2.25:1) was lower than theoretic value (3:1). The SOD and POD activities in leaves were low, but proline and abscisic acid contents were high. The nutrient element contents in leaves were high, but the suitable soil nutrient content was low. It indicated that the leaves of T. catappa had high light energy absorptivity, good water holding capacity, and high drought tolerance, thus it was suitable to grow in poor soil conditions and maintain high leaf nutrition levels. Overall, T. catappa can tolerate high temperature, drought and barren soil and can be used as a tool and landscaping species for vegetation restoration on tropical coral island.
