In Cortalaria striata DC. nitrogen, protein, sugar, starch and ascorbic acid contents were lower in the plants growing in the coastal region whereas, the epicuticular wax (ECW) and proline contents were higher. Higher proline and lower ECW were recorded in young leaves compared to mature leaves. The induced proline synthesis and its accumulation observed in plants of the saline habitat appears to help the plants in tolerating the stress by acting as compatible solute. The higher ECW content on the surface of the leaves of plants growing in saline habitat seems to be an adaptation to conserve the water.
