Propagation protocol for the Endangered Crenulate Lead Plant Amorpha herbacea var. crenulata

Abstract

Crenulate lead plant (Amorpha herbacea Walter var. crenulata (Rydberg) Isely [Fabaceae]) is a South Florida endemic that can be propagated sexually and asexually with success. We found that clean seeds (removed from pods) germinate best and can be frozen for storage. Softwood cuttings, treated with rooting hormone and stuck in perlite under periodic misting, rooted well but sometimes transplanted poorly. Mature plants can be salvaged with success, but because the plants grow on rocky soils the process can be very labor intensive. Establishing new populations of this plant, using these propagation techniques, is another tool for protecting this species.