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Hybridization of a Rare Plant Species: Abronia
maritima
Lesley Blancas and Norman C. Ellstrand
Department of Botany and Plant Sciences
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521-0124 |
Sand verbena (Abronia maritima)
© 1997 Dr. Bill Bushing |
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Spontaneous interbreeding between previously diverged populations is known as
natural hybridization. This natural occurrence has long been a subject of interest
for many researchers. Several evolutionary roles of hybridization have been suggested.
Hybridization between species generates more genetic recombination which may
eventually lead to the evolution of a new species. However, one species may be
absorbed by another through genetic assimilation and may lead to local extinction.
With an increase in the number of rare and endangered plants it is important
to identify and assess factors that may lead to local or global extinctions.
The consequences of plant hybridization on rare plant species is not well understood
due to the lack of empirical evidence. Currently research involving Abronia
maritima, a rare herbaceous plant on the coasts of California and the Channel
Islands, is being conducted so that hybridization can be properly evaluated as
a potential risk for rare plant extinction. The unique populations of Abronia
maritima on Santa Catalina Island are isolated from the public and have not
experienced extensive human disturbance like those on the mainland. The impact
of hybridization will be assessed by comparing differences in the genetic and
morphological variations of the isolated populations on the island with populations
that overlap with common relatives (A. latifolia and A. umbellata)
on the mainland, where A. maritima may potentially hybridize.
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Sand verbena
(Abronia maritima)
beach habitat at Little Harbor
© 1997 Lesley Blancas |
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Sand verbena
(Abronia maritima)
on the beach at Little Harbor
© 1997 Dr. Bill Bushing |
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