How does an Al-hyperaccumulator plant respond to a natural field gradient of soil phytoavailable Al?

The physiological ability of plants to cope with Al-toxicity has attracted considerable attention. In this study we used an endemic Al-hyperaccumulator plant, Plantago almogravensis, which is the only known representative of the Plantaginaceae with this trait growing under a field gradient of Al, to understand the root and shoot patterns of Al accumulation and tolerance in its natural environment. We analysed phytoavailable elements in the soil and their accumulation in the plant. For the first time under field conditions, the accumulation pattern of an Al-hyperaccumulator showed a saturation curve with a maximum accumulation capacity being reached (ca. 3.0 mg g− 1). The Al toxicity was not associated with the expected reduction in the Ca and Mg uptake by the plant. Iron was accumulated in a more linear pattern. The magnitude and the proportion of the elements found in the apoplastic fraction of the root, compared to the soil and plant internal fractions, suggested that the control of uptake occurs at the rhizospheric level. Unlike the majority of the Al-hyperaccumulator plants that are found in tropical humid areas, this plant is described from a sub-arid Mediterranean climate, subject to drought conditions which give it a unique status that deserves to be studied further.

► Plantago almogravensis is an obligate metallophyte for Al. ► It only grows in sub-arid Mediterranean climate being the only Plantaginaceae described hyperaccumulating Al. ► The plant accumulates Al up to a maximum capacity, showing a saturation curve. ► Al toxicity is not associated with reduction in the Ca and Mg uptake by the plant. ► The control of Al uptake to the plant is suggested to occur at the rhizospheric level.