In 1980, Clematis socialis Kral was discovered by a highway in St. Clair County, Alabama. By 1986, only two populations had been found so the flower was listed as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This study began in 1992. The purpose of this study was two-fold, 1) count the population and determine soil type, and 2) characterize the plant’s habitat which includes soil chemistry and texture, other plants growing along with it, and it light requirements. The soil chemistry tested was pH, 16 elements (macro/micronutrients) and organic matter.
Results were:
- three populations (zones) were found with 17,866 stems,
- 75 other species were found growing with the plant
- all three zones shared the following elements (with no significant difference) Mg, Mo, Pb, %N)
- There was no significant difference in light levels.
This study is an excellent example of the type of research needed to gain vital information about a new species when it is discovered. This could create a foundation of basic information about a species in order to create a solid recovery and management plan.
Boyd, R. S., & Hilton, C. D. (1994). Ecologic Studies of the Endangered Species Clematis socialis Kral. Castanea , 59 (1), 31-40.
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