Eriogonum gypsophilum
| Eriogonum gypsophilum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Genus: | Eriogonum |
| Species: | E. gypsophilum
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| Binomial name | |
| Eriogonum gypsophilum | |
Eriogonum gypsophilum is a rare species of wild buckwheat known by the common names Seven River Hills buckwheat and gypsum wild buckwheat. It is endemic to the state of New Mexico in the United States, where it is known from only three sites in Eddy County.[1][2][3][4] It is limited to a specific type of soil which is high in gypsum.[1] The plant has been federally listed as a threatened species of the United States since 1981.[5]
Habitat and range
This rare plant can be found at three locations in Eddy County, New Mexico: the Seven River Hills, the
Description
This plant is a perennial herb which usually reproduces vegetatively, by producing new stems from its rhizome, in effect cloning itself. Sometimes it reproduces sexually by making seed, however, the habitat and climate where it grows is often unsuitable for germination.[1] Because many plants are clones rather than separate genetic individuals it is difficult to estimate the true number of plants existing.[1] One estimate suggests there are 11,000 to 18,000 plants in each of the three populations.[4] It is possible that more populations exist in unsurveyed gypsum rock habitat across the Eddy County border, in the state of Texas, but much of this habitat is on private land and is not open for exploration.[1]
This wild buckwheat species produces erect stems up to 20 centimeters tall and bearing
Conservation
The plant is found on an area of land measuring under 250 acres (1.0 km2) total.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i USFWS. Eriogonum gypsophilum Five-year Review. November 2007.
- ^ a b c Eriogonum gypsophilum. Flora of North America.
- ^ a b c Eriogonum gypsophilum. The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ a b c d Eriogonum gypsophilum. Center for Plant Conservation.
- ^ USFWS. Determination of two New Mexico plants to be endangered species and threatened species with critical habitat. Federal Register January 19, 1981.
- ^ Ben Slaughter Draw, New Mexico. USGS Jumping Spring Quad, New Mexico, Topographic Map
- ^ Eriogonum gypsophilum. New Mexico Rare Plants.