Morphological Differences Among Two Populations of the Hooded Pitcher Plant, Sarrancenia minor, and its Usefulness as an Indicator Species for Bog and Seepage Savanna Communities

Authors

Ryan Meyer, University of North Florida
Justin Walguarnery, University of North Florida
Dawn Beaulac, University of North Florida
Kelly Hughes, University of North Florida
Trish Brown, University of North Florida

Volume

Volume I, 2001

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Anthony M. Rossi

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2001

Abstract

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a model of Sarracenia minor morphology under various environmental conditions, which can then be used to assess the overall health of these ecosystems. Because S. minor is sensitive to disturbance it may be a good candidate for use as an indicator species. Decline in habitat quality should be detectable as changes in the population dynamics and morphology of S. minor, thereby indicating that intervention may be necessary to maintain habitat viability. For instance, a population that consists primarily of large mature individuals indicates that the habitat may not be suitable for the recruitment of new progeny into the population. This alteration in population morphology suggests that leaf litter may be too deep for young propagules to become established and that a controlled bum, which removes thick layers of litter, may be required to restore the ecosystem to acceptable levels of ground cover that support sensitive species such as S. minor.

Suggested Citation

Meyer, Ryan; Walguarnery, Justin; Beaulac, Dawn; Hughes, Kelly; and Brown, Trish, "Morphological Differences Among Two Populations of the Hooded Pitcher Plant, Sarrancenia minor, and its Usefulness as an Indicator Species for Bog and Seepage Savanna Communities" (2001). All Volumes (2001-2008). 126.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/ojii_volumes/126