discovery and description of discovery and description of Juncus digitatusJuncus digitatus

www.vernalpools.org

Carol W. Witham, VernalPools.Org

www.vernalpools.org

PG&E Gas PipelinePG&E Gas Pipeline Expansion Project Expansion Project

1991-1993 Surveys• vernal pool sites

• wetland crossings

• rare plants/animals

• many biologists

• CASH COW !!!

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first collected in 1991 first collected in 1991 by Dean Wm. Taylor… by Dean Wm. Taylor…• along a tributary to Shingle Creek

• plants were immature

• mixed collection with Juncus triformis

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then in 1992… then in 1992…

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on May 20, I sent a faxon May 20, I sent a fax to several people… to several people…

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then in 1993… then in 1993…

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between 1992 and 2006…between 1992 and 2006…

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also between 1992 and 2006…also between 1992 and 2006…

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also between 1992 and 2006…also between 1992 and 2006…

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also between 1992 and 2006…also between 1992 and 2006…

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enter Peter Zika about enter Peter Zika about JuncusJuncus……

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Juncus digitatus Juncus digitatus (finger rush)…(finger rush)…

www.vernalpools.org

Juncus digitatus Juncus digitatus (finger rush)…(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

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Juncus digitatus Juncus digitatus (finger rush)(finger rush) current status… 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

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a take home messagea take home message for all botanists… 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!