New Ecological Data Informing Conservation of Endangered Wetland Obligate Huachuca Water Umbel (Lilaeopsis schaffneriana subsp. recurva); Jean-Philippe Solves

 

 

The Huachuca Water Umbel (Lilaeopsis schaffneriana subsp. recurva) is a federally endangered, semi-aquatic perennial herbaceous species in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is endemic to desert wetland habitats of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northern Sonora, Mexico, and is considered an important indicator species for the health of these unique habitats. Recent population declines of this taxon make it imperative to study its life history to inform conservation efforts and land management in the Cienega Creek Watershed. The goal of our study was to provide a better understanding of the ecology and reproduction of this species, including seed longevity, drought resilience, seed bank establishment, reproductive strategy and timing via four independent experiments. All experiments were performed in the greenhouse, except for the reproductive strategy and timing experiment which was done in the field. Greenhouse experiments provided evidence for seed banks at select transplant sites (Cieneguita Ponds at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, and the Desert Oasis Habitat at the Desert Botanical Garden), seed viability of up to 15 years and rhizomes survivorship after three weeks of drought. While the impact of habitat type on reproductive strategy and timing is still currently under investigation, preliminary findings show that flowering period and abundance appear to correlate to presence/absence of water and water flow.