Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anderson. (ACANTHACEAE)—Berkeley County: central part of Goose Creek Reservoir.
Significance. This is the first report for South Carolina.
Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anderson. (ACANTHACEAE)—Berkeley County: central part of Goose Creek Reservoir.
Significance. This is the first report for South Carolina.
Coincya monensis (L.) Greuter & Burdet (BRASSICACEAE)—Alleghany County: Located along VA 18 (Potts Creek Rd.) traveling north, ca. 3.2 km southwest of Covington, north of Jordan Mines. Growing in dry shale barren, along a steep ridge. Associates: Antennaria virginica Stebbins, Cheilanthes lanosa (Michx.) D.C. Eaton, Draba ramosissima Desv., Eriogonum allenii S. Watson, Minuartia michauxii (Fenzl) Farw. var. michauxii, Packera antennariifolia (Britton) W.A. Weber & A´. Lo¨ve, Quercus ilicifolia Wangenh., and Sedum glaucophyllum R.T. Clausen; ca. 37u43955.560N, 80u02930.540W; 4 July 2007, D.B. Poindexter 07-539 with Z.E. Murrell, G. Bresowar, and E. Gillespie (BOON).
Significance. This appears to be the first record of this species from Virginia. Coincya monensis, commonly referred to as Coincya or Wallflower-cabbage, was not listed as occurring in the Commonwealth by Kartesz (2010), Naczi and Thieret (1996), the PLANTS Database (United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 2010), Weakley (2010), Warwick (2010), or Wieboldt et al. (2010). Coincya monensis is known from other surrounding states including Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia (Kartesz 2010). Although this European species is generally regarded as an annual, it often expresses a biennial or even perennial growth habit (Warwick 2010).
ABSTRACT A good working knowledge of seed germination requirements is important for plant establishment for restoration and experimentation, particularly in wild plant species. Some seeds require a period of after-ripening and cold stratification before germination will occur. In this study we examined the effects of after-ripening and stratification time on seeds from three disjunct populations of Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. lyrata, from serpentine and limestone sand substrates of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Differences among populations were evaluated through seed germination percentage and rate. Overall germination percentage and rate significantly varied by population, with seeds from the two serpentine populations having a lower germination percentage and rate than seeds from the limestone sand population. After-ripening time also significantly affected germination percentage and rate, with both measurements generally being the highest in 4 and 8 month-old seeds. Stratification did not generally alter germination percentage compared to the untreated control. However, stratification appeared to have the greatest effect on the germination rate of seeds that had after-ripened for 4 months, but the number of days of stratification required was not consistent across populations or across years. The variation observed among the populations of A. lyrata ssp. lyrata tested is a starting point for understanding how these differences developed and how they contribute to the success of each population in its native environment.
ABSTRACT Phylogenetic studies in the eastern United States have uncovered patterns of genetic variation that suggest an influence of glacial history on various plant species. Similarly, studies have indicated regional-level genetic discontinuities corresponding with reduced gene flow between regions and populations, often associated with a geographical barrier. Here we examine the population genetics of a species found mostly in northeastern North America, but with populations at high elevations along the southern half of the Appalachian Mountains. Nine populations of the plant species Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (Rosaceae) in the eastern United States were sampled, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers. Levels of genetic diversity within and among populations were determined. Results indicate that the degree of intrapopulation genetic variation varies between populations. A statistically significant discontinuity is identified between populations east and west of the Valley and Ridge Province, which suggests that this region has likely acted as a barrier to historical gene flow. Within the Appalachian Mountains, northeastern populations show varying levels of genetic similarity to southeastern populations with no clear genetic signal delineating northern and southern populations. The genetic patterns discerned in this study suggest a complex species history, which should provide insight in future studies of this and other ecologically similar plant species.
ABSTRACT There has been question whether the taxon known as Yucca filamentosa (Agavaceae) is to be distinguished from the taxon known as Yucca flaccida. Much of the uncertainty lay in the absence of sure knowledge of the forms intended by their original authors. A neotype of Y. flaccida from Florida was selected in 2006. Here, the type locality in Virginia of Y. filamentosa is revisited and an epitype is selected. The two taxa, as represented by plants from these two type localities, differ markedly in a number of characteristics. It is suggested that Y. filamentosa and Y. flaccida be retained at specific rank.
Mellichamp, Larry and Paula Gross. Foreword by Tony Avent. 2010. Bizarre Botanicals: How to Grow String-of-Hearts, Jack-in-the Pulpit, Panda Ginger, and other Weird and Wonderful Plants. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. 283 p. $25.95. Hardcover. Color Illustrations. ISBN 978-1-60469-076-7.