Santa Cruz Island Reserve

12 Jun, 03 AM - 12 Jun, 08 AM

The genus Adenostoma (family Rosaceae) consists of two-chaparral plant species endemic to California, Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum Hook. & Arn.) and red shank (Adenostoma sparsifolium Torr.). Several varieties of A. fasciculatum have also been published, but not formally recognized. One variety, A. fasciculatum var. prostratum Dunkle, occurs on the Channel Islands. While most research has focused on ecology, water relations and physiology of the genus, little work has been done on the systematics of Adenostoma and its relationships within the family Rosaceae. Adenostoma historically has been placed in the subfamily (Rosoideae), based upon fruit type. Yet, it is anomalous within that subfamily, based upon chromosome number. However, recent molecular evidence has allied the genus not with the Rosoideae, but with the Spiraeoideae, with members including Sorbaria and Chamaebatiaria. None of these species is well known morphologically. This research will incorporate evidence from anatomical and morphological studies of Adenostoma that can be used to compare with data from independent studies of Chamaebatiaria and Sorbaria. A taxonomic monograph of the genus, Adenostoma, will be prepared. A morphology-based, cladistic analysis will be undertaken of Adenostoma and related genera to test previous molecular evidence of relationships between Adenostoma and Spiraeoideae. There are two main objectives. 1) This investigation will incorporate morphological and anatomical studies of the leaf, stem, wood and flower structures of Adenostoma to provide basic data and to discern relationships of the genus within the Rosaceae. Anatomical and morphological similarities between Adenostoma and certain genera (Sorbaria and Chamaebatiaria) within the subfamily Spiraeoideae, may indicate a close phylogeny. And, 2) This study will also include a comprehensive examination of intra-specific variation within the species of Adenostoma. Field studies will be undertaken to help determine if published varieties of A. fasciculatum are worthy of taxonomic recognition. Collection of specimens in flower (fresh and pressed)will be taken to obtain morphological character data. Specimens will be compared from throughout the range of the genus to determine if valid characters exist to recognize the variety.

Visit #5309 @Santa Cruz Island Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 4208 | Research

Adenostoma

graduate_student - California State University (CSU), Los Angeles

Reservation Members(s)

William Jones Jun 12, 2004 (1 days)
Group of 5 Volunteer Jun 12, 2004 (1 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Day Use Only 6 Jun 12 (5 hours)
Jeep 6 Jun 12 (5 hours)
Pickup Truck 6 Jun 12 (5 hours)