Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Wear, Donna [1], Gordon, Judith [2].

Reproductive Status of the Shoals Spider Lily, Hymenocallis coronaria (Le Conte) Kunth (Liliaceae) in the Savannah River Basin, Augusta, GA, USA.

The Shoals Spider Lily (Hymenocallis coronaria ) is an emergent aquatic plant that is limited to freshwater systems of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama along the fall line where the piedmont and coastal plain geologic provinces converge. The species was first described by William Bartram in 1773 when he visited the shoals area in Augusta, GA. The species is currently listed as threatened in the state of Georgia, USA. After mainstem impoundment on the Savannah River in the 1950s, only three populations remained south of the Augusta, GA, diversion dam that diverts water into the Augusta Canal for industrial and public usage. The third and southern-most population is now locally extinct because of herbivory by deer. We have monitored the asexual reproductive status of this species (via clump size) since 2005, and the sexual reproduction status (via seedling counts) since 2006. Although asexual reproduction has remained stable throughout this period, seedling production has declined precipitously since 2007. Cooperation is needed between state and federal agencies regarding stream flow, particularly between anthesis (May-June) and seedling establishment (October-November), to ensure the conservation of this species.

1 - Augusta University, Biological Sciences, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA , 30802, USA
2 - Augusta University, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA, 30802, United States

Keywords:
Spider Lily
Hymenocallis coronaria.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 48, Conservation Biology II
Location: 204/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 1:45 PM
Number: 48001
Abstract ID:343
Candidate for Awards:None