Salt glands in the zoysieae

Salt glands were found in two species of the genus Zoysia of the tribe Zoysieae, sub-family Chloridoideae (Poaceae). Glands protrude from and are recumbent to the leaf epidermis, and consist of two cells, a basal cell and upper cap cell. Glands were better developed on the adaxial surfaces. Those on the abaxial surface appear to be non-functional. Zoysia matrella, the more salt-tolerant species, had a higher density of larger glands, and secreted more sodium per unit leaf mass, resulting in much lower leaf sap osmolalities than those of the more salt-sensitive Z. japonica. The finding of salt glands in the tribe Zoysieae confirms its relation to the four other tribes within the sub-family Chloridoideae in which salt glands have previously been reported.