The objective of this study is to investigate the photosynthetic response of E. dunnii to different P concentrations. E. dwinii cuttings and seedlings were grown hydroponically with 5 P levels, (0 , 0. 01 , 0.1, 1, and 2 mmol/L). The results showed that no P, extremely low P level (0.01 mmol/L) and high P (2 mmol/L) inhibited the net photosynthetic rate, while in low P level (0. 1 mmol/L) and regular P level (1 mmol/L) , the optimum photosynthesis was observed without significant difference. The response trend of the stomatal conductance and water use efficiency to P concentrations showed similar with net photosynthesis rate. The P concentrations did not affect the incellular C02 concentration and transpiration rate of E. dimnii. Cuttings showed longer P deficiency-resistant than no-P-cultured seedlings. The photosynthetic difference between new established leaves and old leaves of E. dwinii increased with the decreasing of the P concentrations. The P concentrations did not affect light compensation point (LCP) , while light saturation point ( LSP) increased with the increase of P levels (0-1 mmol/L) , followed by reduction if P level was higher than 1 mmol/L. These results indicated that the P deficiency adaptability of E. dunnii highly related to the photosynthetic response to P concentrations. Practically, low P concentration (0.1 mmol/L) is sufficient to grow E. dunnii, which is both economical and environmental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]