Abstract

ROVERE, Adriana E.  and  GONZALEZ, Sofía L.. Rescue of the geophyte Zephyranthes gilliesiana (Amaryllidaceae): a case study to assess ex situ conservation. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2023, vol.58, n.3, pp.2-2. ISSN 1851-2372.  http://dx.doi.org/10.31055/1851.2372.v58.n3.39704.

Introduction and aims: In the process of urbanization, fragmentation of environments leads to the loss of habitats and native species diversity. Rescue of plants for ex situ conservation can be an early intervention measure after disturbance. We analyzed the effect of soil removal on the population of the bulbous geophyte Zephyranthes gilliesiana (Herb.) Nic. García (Amaryllidaceae) and assessed the success of rescuing specimens for ex situ conservation.

M&M: In a recently urbanized sector immersed in the steppe east of Bariloche city (Río Negro, Argentina), the frequency, cover, and density of Z. gillesiana plants were calculated and estimated in degraded and undisturbed reference areas. Sixty Z. gilliesiana plants were rescued, the depth localization of the bulb was recorded, and the relationship between bulb weight and early survival (60 days after transplanting) was evaluated.

Results: Species richness and vegetation cover were lower in the degraded area than in the reference area. The frequency, cover and density of Z. gilliesiana were higher in the degraded area. Survival was 47% in plants with heavier bulbs (25% developed reproductive structures).

Conclusions: We consider that the rescue of Z. gilliesiana was successful and its documentation together with the study of agamic and sexual propagation would contribute to generate conservation plans for this species.

Keywords : Biodiversity; bulbs; ornament; Patagonia; steppe; urbanization.

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