Lindley’s false silverpuffs (Uropappus lindleyi) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 6

Biology

Little biological research has been conducted on U. lindleyi, although there have been significant taxonomic studies of the genus, mostly in the U.S.

Life cycle and reproduction

Uropappus lindleyi is an annual species that flowers in mid-April to mid-May in B.C. Seed production occurs in mid-May-June. In addition, flowering is asynchronous, with many flowering plants observed with still-unopened heads. This did not appear to be a result of different microhabitat conditions, since seed-distributing plants and plants in bud were observed side by side.

Herbivory

Little information is available with respect to herbivory. Plants heavily grazed by deer have been noted by Fairbarns (pers. comm. 2004), although the authors found virtually no grazing on U. lindleyi in 2004.

Physiology

Uropappus lindleyi, like other annuals of similar species of Microseris occurring in warmer and drier climates, has specialized features such as autogamy (self pollination), reduction in flower size and pappus scale numbers, as well as subacaulescent to acaulescent stems (Chambers 1955, Stebbins 1972).

Dispersal

The bristle-tipped pappus scales may tend to attach to bird feathers, thus possibly resulting in long-range dispersal. Most seeds, however, are likely dispersed locally by wind and gravity. The pappus scales diverge from the crown of the achene in an open fashion that likely allows wind to move the light achenes mainly over short to moderate distances.

Interspecific interactions

No data are available on interspecific interactions for U. lindleyi.

Adaptability

There appears to be little available information on successes in artificial propagation and seed germination but seeds appear to be available through some suppliers of wildflower seeds (Payne 2004).

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