Abstract: The effects of elevation of CO₂ on photosynthetic characteristics, growth rate and flowering of Anthurium andraeanum Lind. were studied in open-top plastic chambers. The results showed that plant grown under ambient CO₂ 〔(360 ±30) μmol·mol^{- 1} 〕at 90 d after treatment, the plant height , leaf area, fresh
and drymass have increased by 16.4% , 36.1% , 101.2% and 84.2% respectively than that 0 d after treatment. However, plant grown under elevated CO₂ condition 〔(1 000 ±100) μmol·mol^{- 1} 〕at that period, their physiological characteristics increased significantly by 72.9% , 65.6% , 217.6% and 199.1% respectively. Comparing with the ambient CO₂ , elevated CO₂ caused a marked rise in net photosynthetic rate (46.27% ) and more soluble sugar and starch accumulation in leaves, but significantly reduced their stomata conductance and chlorophyll content. In addition, elevated CO₂ had little effect on Rubisco activity, and glycolate oxidase activity apparently decreased in leaves. There area great difference in flowering between ambient
and elevated CO₂ condition. No flowering occurred in the former, but the flowering percentage of the latter were 25% at 50 d and 80% at 90 d. It was considered that increase in CO₂ concentration in a certain extent might be most beneficial for increasing photosynthetic rate and carbohydrate accumulation, and therefore, the vegetative growth and flowering were eventually promoted.

Key words: Anthurium andraeanum Lind., Net photosynthetic rate, Growth and development