| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Diggs, Jr., George M. [1], Lipscomb, Barney [2], Byerley, M. Brooke [2]. Ferns and lycophytes of Texas: a 55-year update. The last statewide treatment of Texas pteridophytes was published in 1956 by Donovan Stewart Correll. Since that time much has changed in taxonomy. By investigating the current literature and herbarium collections around the state, we have compiled a much-needed update for this region. We show that Texas now hosts 146 total native and naturalized pteridophyte taxa representing 138 species, a 28% increase in species richness. Of these species, 127 are native, more than any other state in the continental United States. Texas has representatives from seven of the 11 current fern orders (Equisetales, Ophioglossales, Osmundales, Polypodiales, Psilotales, Salviniales, and Schizaeales) and 19 different fern families. Also present are members from all three extant lycophyte families, including the endemic Isoetes lithophila. Biogeographic patterns show the vast majority of Texas pteridophytes are concentrated in three vegetational regions: the deciduous forests of East Texas, the Edwards Plateau region of Central Texas, and the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. We propose that the high species richness in Texas is due predominantly to latitudinal gradient, proximity to source floras in eastern U.S. and Mexico, and high habitat diversity. Additional GIS analysis is forthcoming pending the completion of current herbarium collection georeferencing projects. Broader Impacts:
Log in to add this item to your schedule
Related Links:
Ferns of Texas Project (BRIT)
1 - Austin College, Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies, Sherman, TX, 75090, USA
2 - Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
Keywords:
Biogeography
pteridophyes
ferns
floras
Texas
Edwards Plateau
Trans-Pecos
Isoetes lithophila
species richness.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY060
Abstract ID:599 |
