Seed banks of rare Physostegia correllii (Lamiaceae) in Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.

Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Rare species threatened by climate and land-use change may harbor seeds in soil seed banks for periods of time even if adults have disappeared from the site. Soil samples were collected from sites with current Phyostegia correllii populations and from sites with former populations in Lady Bird Lake (a reservoir of the Colorado River, Austin, Texas. A seedling emergence study was conducted under greenhouse conditions, and the presence/absence of seedling emergence was recorded for two years. Seeds germinated from the seed banks of all current and former colonies tested. The presence of seed banks in a historical site (Blunn Creek) of Physostegia correllii suggests that management to encourage the germination of seeds might help to encourage the establishment of populations of this species. The re-establishment of disturbance fugitives might be facilitated by removing overhanging ground vegetation or imposing water management regimes that mimic natural floodplain dynamics.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Seed banks of rare Physostegia correllii (Lamiaceae) in Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Series title Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas
DOI 10.17348/jbrit.v17.i1.1301
Volume 17
Issue 1
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher Botanical Research Institute of Texas
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 6 p.
First page 363
Last page 368
Country United States
State Texas
City Austin
Other Geospatial Lady Bird Lake
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details