Date of Award
Fall 12-10-2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science - Environmental Sciences
Department
Environmental Science
First Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Farrish
Second Advisor
Dr. David Creech
Third Advisor
Dr. I-Kuai Hung
Abstract
The Neches River rose-mallow, Hibiscus dasycalyx, is a rare herbaceous perennial endemic to East Texas. The threatened, obligate wetland species is currently at risk of being lost in the wild due to habitat loss, encroachment of nonnative and native plant species, and hybridization with two other Hibiscus congeners, Hibiscus laevis and Hibiscus moscheutos. Known locations of each of the three Hibiscus species were used to measure select soil characteristics and habitat variables associated with each of the rose-mallows. H. dasycalyx was concluded to be associated with more fertile soils and slightly more canopy coverage than H. laevis and H. moscheutos. H. dasycalyx was also strongly associated with a soil drainage class of moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained. Soil-site properties associated with the presence and survivorship of H. dasycalyx can be utilized in the selection of sites for introduction and reintroduction projects in the future. The propagation and cultivation of H. dasycalyx, paired with the isolation and light management of all populations, will aid in ongoing conservation strategies.
Repository Citation
Langlinais, Morgan E., "Distribution and Soil Characteristics Associated with the Neches River Rose-Mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx)" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 476.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/476
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Biodiversity Commons, Botany Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Horticulture Commons, Population Biology Commons
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