RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Conserving US temperate forest plant diversity: a case example with forest-floor Aristolochiaceae
JF Native Plants Journal
JO NATIVE PLANTS JOURNAL
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 236
OP 246
DO 10.3368/npj.15.3.236
VO 15
IS 3
A1 Luna, Tara
YR 2014
UL http://npj.uwpress.org/content/15/3/236.abstract
AB Two forested regions within the US contain exceptionally high plant species richness and are highly significant for conserving temperate biodiversity on a global scale. Herbaceous understory taxa of North American Asarum and Hexastylis are representative of the biogeographic history and sensitive forest-floor dynamics in both regions. Life-history characteristics and seed dispersal mutualisms limit natural recruitment, recovery, and recolonization in fragmented and disturbed habitats. Additional research is needed on pollinator interactions and fruit set, seed dormancy, and germination patterns in order to effectively conserve genetic diversity within in situ environments and to contribute to ex situ conservation efforts.