Eriogonum pelinophilum
Eriogonum pelinophilum | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Polygonaceae |
Genus: | Eriogonum |
Species: | E. pelinophilum
|
Binomial name | |
Eriogonum pelinophilum |
Eriogonum pelinophilum is a rare species of wild buckwheat known by the common name clay-loving wild buckwheat. It is endemic to the state of Colorado in the United States, where it is known from only two counties.[1] The most recent estimates available suggest there are 12 occurrences in existence for a total of about 278,000 individual plants in Delta and Montrose Counties.[1] At least 7 occurrences observed in the past have not been relocated but are not yet believed extirpated.[1] This plant is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States.[2]
Description
This is a
Taxonomy
Taxonomic history
This plant was first collected in 1958 but proved difficult to relocate in the wild.[3] When it was finally found, Eriogonum expert James L. Reveal examined it in the field, compared it to the similar buckwheat Eriogonum contortum, and named it as a new species in 1973.[3] Recent genetic analysis confirms that these two species and Eriogonum clavellatum are indeed similar but are 3 distinct species.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The clay-loving wild buckwheat is known only from the
Conservation
This plant has a limited distribution and is found only on a specific substrate. 75% of its habitat is on privately owned land with little protection.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i USFWS. Eriogonum pelinophilum Five-year Review. September 2009.
- ^ Eriogonum pelinophilum. The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ a b c Reveal, J. L. (1973). A new subfruticose Eriogonum (Polygonaceae) from western Colorado. Great Basin Naturalist. 33, 2: 120-122.
- ^ a b Eriogonum pelinophilum. Flora of North America.
- ^ Reveal, J. L. Eriogonum pelinophilum. Taxonomic Treatment of Eriogonoideae (Polygonaceae).
- ^ Center for Plant Conservation