Scientific Note: An Unusual Concentration Of The Federally Endangered Schwalbea Americana L. (Scrophulariaceae) In South Carolina

Schwalbea americana L. (Scrophulariaceae) “American Chaffseed” is a rare, caulescent, root parasitic herb of moist pine flatwoods, sandy oak woods and pinelands, savannahs, and ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sites (Kral 1983). Schwalbea is apparently intolerant of shade and benefits from the removal of woody understory vegetation and canopy trees (Musselman and Mann 1978, Peters 1994, Town send 1995). Both frequent fires and mechanical vegetation removal maintain this habitat, which is necessary for the species’ survival (Peters 1994, Porcher 1994, Townsend 1995). Schwalbea is apparently intolerant of shade and benefits from the removal of woody understory vegetation and canopy trees (Musselman and Mann 1978, Peters 1994, Townsend 1995).