In the field significant differences in maximum photosynthetic O.j-exchange ratf (P,J were found between leaves oi Mycelis muralis (L.) Dumon (Asteraceae) collected from woodland and exposed habitats, with tht-highest values in the exposed sites. However, there were no differences in the P^^ of leaves collected from plants growing in grikes (fissures in the limestone pavement), or exposed limestone pavement, despite a greater than four-fold difference in the integrated daily irradiance. Lea\es of plants from the open pavement had lower photon yields (0,) and higher dark respiration rates and light compensation points, in comparison to shaded plants. Under controlled enviranmcntal conditions the highest P^, of leaves from plants subjected to variations in irradiance were found at the intermediate (8-6 mol photon m"M ') growth light level used. At the highest growth irradiance 17-3 mol photon m ^ d"') used in tht-laboratory both P,^^ and