Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Vogel, Maria [1], Negron-Ortiz, Vivian [2], Moore, Rich [3].

Conservation and genetic assessments of petitioned Henry’s Spiderlily (Hymenocallis henryae).

Hymenocallis henryae Traub (Amaryllidaceae) is a perennial wildflower endemic to the Florida panhandle. It grows in the narrow ecotone between moist marshes and wet prairie lands of flatwoods and in a variety of soil types. The species is listed as endangered within the state of Florida and has been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The main threat to H. henryae is habitat destruction and/or modifications to habitat hydrology. Hymenocallis henryae is capable of reproducing both sexually and vegetatively, but the primary mode of reproduction is unclear. As of 2020, only 12-35% of current element occurrences were reported to have good viability. In spring of 2021, we visited most of the known populations and quantified population size and habitat preference. We found that H. henryae is present in a variety of habitats and population size overall increased compared to past reports. Notably, some coastal populations were damaged or extirpated due to recent hurricanes. We used ddRADseq to generate partial genomic sequence data for 15 to 20 individuals of H. henryae from each population to assess levels and patterns of genetic diversity across the species’ range. In addition, 30 individuals from localized clumps of H. henryae from three different populations were genetically compared to determine the degree of clonal propagation in the species. Genetic assessments provided valuable insight into the levels of representation and redundancy of H. henryae across its native range which will inform the petition process and inform management decisions for this Florida endemic.

1 - 313 N College Ave, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States
2 - 101 Peabody Drive, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States
3 - Miami University, Biology, 316 Pearson, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States

Keywords:
conservation
population genomics
ddradseq
Florida
Endangered Species Act.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: CB1001
Abstract ID:191
Candidate for Awards:Phytochemical Best Poster Award