Abstract:Transpiration of more than 10 tree species naturally occuring in the dry-hot valleys of Jinsha River was measured on typical sunny days in different seasons in order to reveal their dynamic patterns of transpiration under extreme dry and hot habitat conditions. During the transition period from dry in March to dry and hot in May, the daily peak time of transpiration rate of most tree species appeared ealier, indicating obvious transpiration depression. When drought and heat stress was relieved and wet season came, the transpiration depression became lightened or disappeared, and most tree species displayed typical peak-shape curves again. In drought, dry and hot and wet seasons, the tested species can be classified into 4 groups respectively with high, sub-high, sub-low and low average daily transpiration rate. The grouping of species and the ranks of transpiration rates displayed significant changes among different seasons, indicating diversified physiological responses to water stress. With intensified drought and heat stress, 3 patterns of change, enhanced, weakened and stable, were found of the transpiration rates. The direction of seasonal change of transpiration rate was inconsistent with that of stoma conductance, the seasonal change of transpiration rate was probably controlled by both stoma-related and non stoma-related factors.