Reaumuria soongorica and Salsola passerine have significant differences in ecophysiological characteristics, and they change with environmental variation although they live together for a long term. Their adaptive mechanisms to environmental stresses are very different. As two extreme xerophytes, Reaumuria soongorica and Salsola passerina differ significantly from other psammophytes in ecophysiological characteristics; they can survive in lower water potential, even grow in the piedmont area. Low water potential may be related to the existence of osmosis-regulating substance, such as proline, which can strengthen their water absorption capacity. Compared to other psammophytes, Reaumuria soongorica and Salsola passerina have higher degree of photo-inhibition under same condition, and photo-inhibition can lead to destruction of the photosynthetic pigment, nevertheless, the photo-inhibition can be repaired under suitable conditions in the morning and evening.

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