Meeting Abstract

67.10  Wednesday, Jan. 6  Intersite Variation in the Endangered Plant, Astragalus brauntonii (Fabaceae) BRIGHAM, Christy; BOWMAN-PRIDEAUX, Chris*; SCHIFFMAN, Paula; National Park Service, SAMO; CSU, Northridge; CSU, Northridge cmb24722@csun.edu

Local adaptations occur as a result of selection pressures on isolated populations where gene flow is restricted or non-existent. When this happens, adaptations beneficial in one location may be detrimental to other populations. Astragalus brauntonii is an endangered species threatened by land use change. It is currently found in isolated patches through out the foothills surrounding the Los Angeles Basin. Understanding whether populations have developed local adaptations is essential for determining future management of the species. Using demography studies and common gardens, 6 populations of A. brauntonii were compared. Demographic studies indicate significant differences in a number of physical and reproductive characters despite little difference in stand age. Fecundity differed significantly as did germination rates. These findings suggest that the populations are distinct and care should be taken in management of the species to take into consideration these differences with more emphasis on certain populations.