| Abstract Detail
Rupert Barneby and his legume legacy Porter, J. Mark [1], Hobbs, Susan [1], Mistretta, Orlando [1]. Natural history of Peirson. Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii, a federally listed, threatened species, is restricted to the Algodones (Imperial) Dunes, California and Gran Desierto region, Sonora. In spite of the exceptional controversy surrounding this federally protected species, little is known regarding the life history and reproductive biology of this taxon. Between December 2001 and December 2003 field and greenhouse investigations were conducted to investigate 1) duration, 2) breeding system, and 3) pollination biology of Peirson's milkvetch. These studies indicate that Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii is an obligate outcrossing species, possessing self-incompatibility. Primary pollen transfer is effected by Habropoda sp. and Bembix sp., insect species restricted to dune habitats. To a lesser degree, some pollination may also be due to solitary bees (families Halictiaeae and Magachilidae) and beefly (family Bombyliidae). Peirson’s milkvetch is a short-lived perennial with a dimorphic duration strategy. One morph produces flowers within four months of germination; the other delays flowering for nine to twelve months.
1 - Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, 1500 North College Avenue, Claremont, California, 91711-3157, USA
Keywords: Astragalus breeding system life history endemic threatened species self-incompatibility.
Presentation Type: Symposium Session: 19-9 Location: Magpie (Cliff Lodge) Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004 Time: 4:15 PM Abstract ID:890 |