Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

8-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Teresa Patricia Feria

Second Advisor

Engil Isadora Pujol Pereira

Third Advisor

Lucia Carreon

Abstract

Asclepias prostrata, commonly referred to as prostrate milkweed, is a rare South Texas native plant species. In February of 2023, A. prostrata was listed as a federally endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Due to the limited available observations and literature for A. prostrata, this study was completed to bring new information that could be utilized for future restorative efforts. This study includes multiple field observations of the plant’s morphology, plant-insect interactions, extraction and transplanting of the species, and a seed viability study. Results indicate that although A. prostrata has many pressures that limit its success due to various forms of habitat loss, our high success rate seen in our seed viability study indicates that the potential to restore the species is highly feasible with cooperation from both private landowners and public entities (state and federal).

Comments

Copyright 2023 Elizabeth Ann Gonzalez. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/understanding-distribution-abundance-em-asclepias/docview/2862048956/se-2?accountid=7119

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