NaCl stimulates growth and alleviates water stress in the xerophyte Zygophyllum xanthoxylum

► 50 mM NaCl could stimulate growth and alleviate water stress of Zygophyllum xanthoxylum. ► Z. xanthoxylum could accumulate high concentration of Na+ in leaves. ► Na+ is used as an osmoregulator to contribute to osmotic adjustment. ► Tissue water status is improved due to the contribution of Na+ to osmotic adjustment.