Seed ecology of a rare sage, Salvia dorrii ssp. mearnsii

Abstract

Although related taxa occur throughout the western United States, Salvia dorrii ssp. mearnsii is endemic to central Arizona. In part, its narrow distribution may be attributed to its limited fruit production, low seedling establishment, and germination requirements. Heavy herbivory pressures decreased the numbers of mature fruits in populations in two different vegetation zones and soil origins, desertscrub (limestone origin) and chaparrral (sandstone origin). The percentage of mature fruits was higher in populations from soils of limestone origin in desertscrub vegetation than from soils of sandstone origin in chaparral vegetation. Little in situ evidence of seedling establishment was observed during three field seasons. Germination experiments were conducted to test the effects of water, soil origin, light, and scarification. Greenhouse results suggest that Salvia dorrii ssp. mearnsii has few restrictions for germination. This taxon does not appear to have complex dormancy mechanisms, as it germinated readily without scarification. Germination occurred independent of soil origin except that germination did not occur at all in potting soil. Excessive water and direct light appear to inhibit germination. Maximum germination occurred at low water levels.

Parent Publication

• Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Third Conference

Citation

Huisinga, Kristin D. 2001. Seed ecology of a rare sage, Salvia dorrii ssp. mearnsii. In: Maschinski, Joyce; Holter, Louella, tech. eds. Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Third Conference; 2000 September 25-28; Flagstaff, AZ. Proceedings RMRS-P-23. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 165-175.