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discovery and description of Juncus digitatus. Carol W. Witham, VernalPools.Org. www.vernalpools.org. PG&E Gas Pipeline Expansion Project. 1991-1993 Surveys vernal pool sites wetland crossings rare plants/animals many biologists CASH COW !!!. www.vernalpools.org.
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discovery and description of Juncus digitatus Carol W. Witham, VernalPools.Org www.vernalpools.org
PG&E Gas Pipeline Expansion Project • 1991-1993 Surveys • vernal pool sites • wetland crossings • rare plants/animals • many biologists • CASH COW !!! www.vernalpools.org
first collected in 1991 by Dean Wm. Taylor… • along a tributary to Shingle Creek • plants were immature • mixed collection with Juncus triformis www.vernalpools.org
then in 1992… www.vernalpools.org
on May 20, I sent a fax to several people… www.vernalpools.org
then in 1993… www.vernalpools.org
between 1992 and 2006… www.vernalpools.org
also between 1992 and 2006… www.vernalpools.org
also between 1992 and 2006… www.vernalpools.org
also between 1992 and 2006… www.vernalpools.org
enter Peter Zika about Juncus… www.vernalpools.org
Juncus digitatus (finger rush)… www.vernalpools.org
Juncus digitatus (finger rush)… • Discovery goes to press • measure, measure & measure • select material for illustration • mature material • features that are important • respect your illustrator • rely on reviewers for good info www.vernalpools.org
Juncus digitatus (finger rush) current status… • Described in 2008 by Witham and Zika (JBrit 2(2):775-781) • Section Caespitosi comprised of 17 delicate annuals • 12 indigenous to California with 5 endemic • One of the smaller Juncus, but has the longest capsules • California Rare Plant Rank (CNPS List) 1B.1 • Only 2 known populations • Private property • Significant habitat modification threats www.vernalpools.org
a take home message for all botanists… • Plants previous thought to be extinct are being rediscovered • Arctostaphylos franciscana • About ten species of new plants are discovered in California every year • A number that has stayed steady since the 1850s • Most discoveries are made just off the beaten path • California’s native plants need you! www.vernalpools.org