Distribution and Soil Characteristics Associated with the Neches River Rose-Mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx)

<p>The Neches River rose-mallow, <em>Hibiscus dasycalyx</em>, is a rare herbaceous perennial endemic to East Texas. The threatened, obligate wetland species is currently at risk of being lost in the wild due to habitat loss, encroachment of nonnative and native plant species, and hybridization with two other Hibiscus congeners,<em> Hibiscus laevis</em> and <em>Hibiscus moscheutos</em>. Known locations of each of the three Hibiscus species were used to measure select soil characteristics and habitat variables associated with each of the rose-mallows. <em>H. dasycalyx</em> was concluded to be associated with more fertile soils and slightly more canopy coverage than <em>H. laevis</em> and <em>H. moscheutos</em>. <em>H. dasycalyx</em> was also strongly associated with a soil drainage class of moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained. Soil-site properties associated with the presence and survivorship of <em>H. dasycalyx</em> can be utilized in the selection of sites for introduction and reintroduction projects in the future. The propagation and cultivation of <em>H. dasycalyx</em>, paired with the isolation and light management of all populations, will aid in ongoing conservation strategies.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science - Environmental Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Environmental Science

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Langlinais, Morgan E

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Kenneth Farrish
• Dr. David Creech
• Dr. I-Kuai Hung

• Hibiscus dasycalyx
• Neches River rose-mallow
• Biodiversity
• Botany
• Environmental Health and Protection
• Horticulture
• Population Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/476

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1512